CHRISTMAS: CELEBRATING NOT A DAY, BUT A PERSON

As Christmas approaches, a recurring reality emerges year after year: more and more people who identify themselves as Christians or not take up their pens or platforms to argue that Christmas should not be celebrated. While often expressed with strong conviction, this position deserves to be addressed with wisdom, discernment—and above all, love.

It is essential to recall a foundational truth: Christians do not celebrate a date; they celebrate an eternal event.
We do not celebrate December 25th as a sacred day in itself, nor a new moon, nor a sun god, nor any pagan tradition. We celebrate the coming into the world of the King of kings, the Lord of lords, the Word made flesh.

In churches that faithfully proclaim the Gospel, the songs, readings, and messages shared during this season all have one focus: Jesus Christ.
December 25th is a conventional date. No one knows the exact day of His birth. Whether He was born in January, March, July, or December is of little importance. What truly matters is this overwhelming truth: One day, the eternal Word of God left His throne of glory to be born in a humble manger—though all things were created by Him and for Him.

The entire life of Jesus, from His birth to His death, confirms the words of Scripture: “He was in the world, and though the world was made through Him, the world did not recognize Him. He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him.” (John 1:10–11)

Let us therefore not be shaken by voices that, under the guise of zeal, seek to distort this central event of our faith. The apostle Paul exhorts us: “…so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about by every wind of doctrine… but speaking the truth in love, we may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ.” (Ephesians 4:14–15)

A COMING PREPARED FROM ETERNITY

The birth of Jesus Christ was neither accidental nor improvised. From the Garden of Eden itself, God announced the victory of the Messiah. In Genesis 3:15, the Lord declares that the offspring of the woman would crush the serpent’s head—already pointing to Jesus’ triumph over Satan, sin, and death.

Centuries later, the prophets confirmed this hope:

• Isaiah, around 700 BC, proclaimed:

  • “For to us a child is born… and His name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6)

  • “The virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call His name Immanuel” (Isaiah 7:14)

• Micah, in the 8th century BC, even specified the place:

  • “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah… out of you shall come forth to Me the One to be ruler in Israel” (Micah 5:2)

• Malachi, the last prophet of the Old Testament, announced:

  • the coming of a messenger (John the Baptist),

  • the rising of the Sun of Righteousness,

  • and the preparation of hearts before the Day of the Lord (Malachi 3:1; 4:2; 4:5–6).

All these prophecies were fulfilled precisely in Jesus Christ.
Matthew 1:22–23 clearly affirms the fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy: God with us.

A BIRTH THAT CHANGED EVERYTHING

Without the coming of Jesus:

• we would not know the Father,

• there would be no atoning sacrifice,

• no Passover fulfilled,

• no Pentecost,

• no eternal hope.

It is true that some have reduced Christmas to excess, consumerism, and surface-level celebration. Yet this does not diminish the greatness of the event itself.
The birth of Jesus is the very foundation of Christian hope.

The Gospel of Luke proclaims this joy: “I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people… Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2:10–11)

This joy is universal. It crosses cultures, nations, and generations. It reveals the immeasurable love of God for humanity, offered through His only Son.

AN EXHORTATION TO BELIEVERS

To you who choose to celebrate Christmas, remember this word: “Therefore let no one judge you in regard to a festival…” (Colossians 2:16)

Let your heart remain focused on what truly matters: Jesus came to reveal the Father and to reconcile us to God. Flee sin in all its forms. Walk in holiness, love, and truth.

A CALL TO GRACE-FILLED EVANGELISM

The Gospel is not a battlefield; it is a mission field. Evangelism is not about constant criticism, accusation, or public condemnation. Evangelism is about drawing hearts to Christ in love so that He may save, heal, and set free.

Yes, false doctrines must be confronted—but with wisdom, humility, and biblical order. Paul confronted Peter face to face, in love and truth (Galatians 2:11–16), not for public humiliation.

Let us remember: Whoever does not gather with Christ scatters.

AN INVITATION TO NON-BELIEVERS

To you who read this message and do not yet know Jesus Christ: He came for you as well.
For men and women of every nation, every tribe, every people. To receive Him as Lord and Savior is to enter a new life—reconciled with God, filled with hope, and secured in eternal life. “There is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12)

PRAYER OF INVITATION

Lord Jesus,
Today I acknowledge that You are the Son of the living God.
I believe that You came into this world to save me.
I ask You to forgive my sins.
I open the door of my heart to You.
Come and dwell in me.
Be my Lord and my Savior.
Make me a new creation.
Amen.

May this Christmas lead men and women, from every background, to open their hearts and allow Christ to be born within them.

Merry and blessed Christmas to you all.

Nicolas GOMIS CORREA

Timnath-Serah Evangelical Mission

nicolasgc@metimserah.com

www.metimserah.com