The true meaning of Christmas

What is the true meaning of Christmas? Where can we find the true meaning of Christmas? You won’t find the true meaning of Christmas at the mall. It’s hard enough to find a parking spot at the mall! You won’t find the true meaning of Christmas on television. Many on television are afraid to even say, “Merry Christmas.” They prefer, “Happy Holidays.” The best place to find the true meaning of Christmas is in the Bible.

The very first Book in the New Testament is the Gospel of Matthew. Matthew wrote to the Jewish people. It is shocking that God chose a former tax collector, Matthew, to write to the Jewish people. Matthew chapters 1 and 2 teach us the true meaning of Christmas.

In Matthew chapter 1 we learn that Jesus came to save sinners. The gospel of Matthew even begins in a very shocking way. Matthew begins with a genealogy. Matthew 1:1 reads, “The record of the genealogy of Jesus the Messiah, the son of David, the son of Abraham…” This genealogy is contrary to Jewish practice because it included the names of women.

Four women are mentioned in the messianic line of Christ. Tamar is mentioned in verse 3. Rahab is mentioned in verse 5. Ruth is mentioned in verse 5. Bathsheba is mentioned with the pronoun “her” in verse 6. Of all the women Matthew could have mentioned, he did not include prominent women. Rachel is sometimes viewed as the Old Testament embodiment of Jewish motherhood. Rachel is not included. Sarah and Rebekah are not mentioned.

There is a reason Matthew mentioned these four women and not others. All four of these women (Tamar, Rahab, Ruth and Bathsheba) had two things in common. All four were Gentiles. Matthew is hinting that both Jews and Gentiles will benefit from the coming of the Messiah.

Also, three of these four women were guilty of specific sexual sins. Tamar was guilty of incest. Rahab was guilty of prostitution. Bathsheba was guilty of adultery. Ruth was not guilty of any overt sexual sin but she was a Moabite. The Moabites originated from an incestuous relationship that Lot had with one of his daughters. Matthew is hinting that the purpose of the Messiah’s coming is to save sinners.

Jesus came to save sinners and to save Gentiles. In Matthew 1:21 the angel appeared to Joseph. The angel said, “She will bear a Son; and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” Jesus came to save us from our sins. Jesus came to save sinners- people like me and you and even tax collectors like Matthew!

In Matthew chapter 2 we learn that Jesus came to fulfill Scripture. Four great messianic prophecies are found in Matthew 2. The wise men came to Jerusalem and asked King Herod, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews (Matthew 2:1)?” Micah 5 verse 2 is quoted in Matthew 2 verse 6. “And you, Bethlehem, land of Judah, are by no means least among the leaders of Judah; for out of you shall come forth a Ruler who will shepherd My people Israel.” Micah wrote seven centuries before the birth of Jesus!

When Adam and Eve sinned God promised a coming Messiah who could crush the head of Satan (Genesis 3:15). This Messiah, Jesus, would come from the seed of the woman. The phrase “the seed of the woman” is a strange phrase. It hints at a supernatural birth. Later, in Isaiah 7:14 we learn it will be a virgin birth. In Matthew Jesus was born of a virgin (Matthew 1:18, 20, 23, 25).

Matthew chapter 2 quotes the Old Testament Books of Micah, Hosea, Jeremiah and even summarizes the Old Testament. The Old Testament points to the coming of the Lord Jesus.

What is the true meaning of Christmas? The true meaning of Christmas is the greatest gift of all. It is Jesus becoming the God-Man to fulfill Scripture and to save us from our sins. The heavenly host said to the shepherds, “Glory to God in the highest; and on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased” (Luke 1:14). Peace with God is possible through the Lord Jesus Christ.

Ethan Hansen is the pastor of Faith Bible Fellowship in Big Lake.