How to Understand the Importance of Christmas Selected Scripture Texts

A Charlie Brown Christmas Can anyone tell me what Christmas is really all about? What are we celebrating? How important is the celebration of Christmas?

1. The financial importance of Christmas A highly critical time for retailers A highly anticipated time for youngsters A very busy time for most everyone A very costly time for so many “And He said to them, “Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses.”” (Luke 12:15, NKJV)

2. The cultural importance of Christmas There were events from the past to celebrate The early church tried to change this celebration There is now a great amount of added seasonal trappings The Bible has something to say about the place of traditions… -There are traditions of men -There are biblically sanctioned traditions

3. The historical importance of Christmas He was the Seed of the woman Lk 2:7 “And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.” (Luke 2:7, NKJV) He was the Son of the promise He was the Lamb of God He was the Son of David He was the predicted Messiah

4. The theological importance of Christmas Isa 9:6 “For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6, NKJV) He is a supernatural divine provision He is a unique human & divine product He is a perfect substitute sacrifice for sin

5. The personal importance of Christmas His name means Savior His purpose was to save He requires a response “But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name:” (John 1:12, NKJV) His incarnation was necessary for His work of salvation