Parents may answer this question for their children while setting up their nativity scene. It’s also the primary purpose of our Christmas Eve programs.
A simple but wonderful answer to the question is to say that He came to save us. We can elaborate on that in various ways depending on who’s listening. A small child will need to be taught what the word “save” means. A pastoral conference, however, will be interested in something deeper, possibly an in-depth study of Hebrew or Greek texts.
Scripture itself answers “Why did Jesus come into the world at Christmas” in many ways—each with a different emphasis, a specific focus, or a nuance that gives us a special “aha” moment!
Consider the following:
- “This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief.” (1 Timothy 1:15)
This answer is universal. Every honest, penitent sinner can identify with it. Christ Jesus came into the world (Christmas) to rescue everyone from their sins—yes, even the very worst sinners!
- “Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill.” (Matthew 5:17).
Jesus came (Christmas) to fulfill for us what we were required to do but never could. More than that, He fulfilled every Gospel-centered prophecy and promise!
- “Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, ‘Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree’).” (Galatians 3:13)
He delivered us from the curse we deserved! Notice that the Apostle didn’t merely say Christ experienced the curse instead of us, He said Christ actually became a curse. He was so immersed in that curse, He became the curse—personified! What an astonishing reason for Christ coming into the world (Christmas)!
- “Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself likewise shared in the same, that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, and release those who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.” (Hebrews 2:14,15)
The infant in the manger was flesh and blood (Christmas), even as we are. He came to die, that through His death He would destroy the devil who, through deception, made death our reality. Jesus, however, undid what happened to us, making life our reality. Jesus Himself is the resurrection and the life—personified (John 11:25)!
- “Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God!” (1 John 3:1)
How did God bestow His love on us? He gave His only-begotten Son (Christmas)! The Father’s love was laser-focused on making us His very own children. Jesus made it happen.
- “Love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness in the day of judgment. . . .” (1 John 4:17a)
The expression “has been perfected” means “has been brought to its goal.” Judgement Day is a very unsettling (terrifying) day for sinners! The ultimate goal of Jesus coming into the world (Christmas) was being able to welcome us, on the Last Day, into the kingdom prepared for us from the foundation of the world (Matthew 25:34)!
Embrace as your very own, therefore, what the angel said: “Fear not, for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy!” (Luke 2:10)
Ready for more good tidings? Jesus promised He’s coming again!
“Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus!”
(Revelation 22:20)
is pastor of Gift of God Lutheran Church in Mapleton, North Dakota, and St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Ponsford, Minnesota.
