The True Meaning of Christmas and the Birth of Jesus Christ

Based on Scott Mitchell's Special Christmas Message The True Meaning of Christmas: Why Jesus Came and What His Birth Really Means

Why the True Meaning of Christmas Matters

As another year draws to a close, many celebrate Christmas without stopping to consider what the birth of Jesus Christ truly means. The true meaning of Christmas is often buried beneath tradition, sentiment, and assumption. Scripture, however, gives a clear and sober testimony of why Christ came, what His birth accomplished, and what it demands of every soul.

Christmas is not merely about a manger scene or seasonal peace. It is about God entering human history with a purpose that reaches far beyond Bethlehem. Understanding the true meaning of Christmas requires looking carefully at Scripture—not tradition—and allowing God’s Word to define the event.

Living in the Last Days While Waiting for Christ’s Appearing

As we conclude another year, it is evident that Christ has not yet returned. The rapture has not yet occurred. The tribulation has not yet begun. Yet Scripture makes it clear that we are living in the last days.

Paul wrote:

“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.”— 2 Timothy 4:7–8, KJV

There is a reward promised to those who love Christ’s appearing. The true meaning of Christmas is inseparable from this truth. Jesus appeared once in humility to deal with sin. He will appear again in power to judge and to reign.

The Two Comings of Jesus Christ

Christ’s First Coming: Humility and Purpose

When Jesus first appeared, He was born in poverty, laid in a manger, and despised by the world. He did not come to overthrow governments or establish earthly peace at that time. He came to fulfill prophecy and to pay for sin.

Scripture records His own words:

“Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword.”— Matthew 10:34, KJV

This statement is often ignored at Christmas, yet it is essential to understanding why He came. His first coming divided truth from error and light from darkness.

Christ’s Second Coming: Power and Judgment

The second appearing of Jesus Christ will not resemble the first. He will return with majesty, glory, and great power. He will judge the enemies of God and establish His throne on the earth. Peace on earth will come—but only after judgment.

This distinction lies at the heart of the true meaning of Christmas.

The Christmas Narrative as Scripture Presents It

What the Bible Actually Says About Christ’s Birth

The biblical accounts in Matthew and Luke are often merged into a single scene that Scripture itself does not present. Luke records shepherds visiting the child shortly after His birth (Luke 2:8–16). Matthew records the visit of wise men much later—after the family was living in a house, not a stable (Matthew 2:1–12).

Matthew also records events that followed the wise men’s visit:

• The flight into Egypt (Matthew 2:13–15)

• Herod’s slaughter of the children (Matthew 2:16–18)

• The return to Nazareth (Matthew 2:19–23)

These details matter because the true meaning of Christmas is rooted in historical reality, not tradition.

The Symbolism of the Wise Men’s Gifts

The gifts brought to Jesus were not random. They declared who He is:

• Gold — His Kingship

• Frankincense — His Priesthood as our High Priest

• Myrrh — His prophetic suffering and death

Jesus is Prophet, Priest, and King. Myrrh, used in embalming, points directly to the cross. From the very beginning, His birth was connected to His death.

What “Peace on Earth” Truly Means

The angelic proclamation of peace is often misunderstood. Scripture does not promise immediate global peace through Christ’s birth. Instead, it proclaims peace between God and man.

Paul explains:

“Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”— Romans 5:1, KJV

And again:

“But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.”— Ephesians 2:13, KJV

The true meaning of Christmas is reconciliation. Peace is offered to sinners through the shed blood of Jesus Christ, not through human effort or goodwill.

The Gospel of Peace and the Role of Believers

Those who have received peace with God are given a responsibility.

“Now then we are ambassadors for Christ… be ye reconciled to God.”— 2 Corinthians 5:20, KJV

Believers are entrusted with the gospel of peace. This message is not about moral improvement or religious tradition. It is about new life:

“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature.”— 2 Corinthians 5:17, KJV

The true meaning of Christmas demands a response—not admiration, but reconciliation.

Salvation: Peace Offered or Judgment Awaiting

No one knows the day or the hour of the Lord’s return. Neither does anyone know if today will be their last. Every person will stand before God.

Scripture is clear:

“For by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.”— Galatians 2:16, KJV

You will either be found in Christ—covered by His righteousness—or you will stand on your own works, like Cain, which God rejected. Salvation is offered freely:

“For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”— Romans 10:13, KJV

The true meaning of Christmas is that peace with God is available now, before judgment comes.

Conclusion: A Christmas Call to Consider Christ

Christmas is not merely a celebration of a birth. It is a reminder that God provided a way of salvation through His Son. Jesus first appeared to pay for sins. He will appear again to judge the world and establish His kingdom.

There is a crown laid up for those who love His appearing. My prayer is that you love the truth of His first coming and long for His return.

Merry Christmas to you and yours, and a very Happy New Year. May the coming year be marked by faith, assurance of salvation, and a clear understanding of the true meaning of Christmas—Jesus Christ, crucified, risen, and coming again.