Why was Jesus born?

Thu, Dec 22. 2011

Editor: Hundreds of years before Jesus was born in the little town of Bethlehem, the Prophet Isaiah had prophesied of the coming Messiah – GOD IN FLESH. The Prophet declares, “For unto us a child is born, unto us a Son is given: and the government shall be upon His shoulder: and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace” Isaiah 9:6.{{more}}

The birth of the Saviour happened exactly as was foretold! The Virgin Mary brought forth a Son and His name was JESUS: “for He shall save his people from their sins.” They called Him Emmanuel “which being interpreted is, God with us.”(Matthew 1:21, 23).

Throughout the Bible we are enlightened as to the WHY Jesus came into this world.

• He came to give us salvation that we may be reconciled unto God our Creator.

…God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them: and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. 2 Corinthians 5: 19

• He came to give us Himself- the Perfect Example of sin-freeness for us to imitate.

…Ye should follow his steps: who did no sin, neither was guide found in His mouth. 1Peter 2:21, 22

• He came to teach us our duty to love Him and to love our fellowmen and how to perform this God-given duty.

…Thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind…and…Thou shall love thy neighbour as thyself.

Jesus says, “If you love me, keep my commandments.” Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law. (Mat. 22: 37,39, John 14:15, Rom. 13:10).

• He came to teach us to keep His Law by grace that we may stop sinning.

• He came to magnify His Law (including the 4th Commandment).

The LORD is well pleased for his righteousness’ sake; he will magnify the law, and make it honourable. Isaiah 42:21

We show appreciation for the birth of Jesus when we repent of our sins, accept Him as our Saviour from sin and live a sin-free life that is pleasing in His sight throughout the Year. This makes Him happy and it is the greatest gift that we can give back to Him. Nowhere in the Bible does Jesus or His disciples tell us to choose a day and celebrate it as His birthday. Nowhere in the Bible does Christ tell us to learn the ways of the pagan and mix them into Christianity. In his book, The Two Babylons, Historian Alexander Hislop tells us,

“Indeed it is admitted by the most learned and candid writers of all parties that the day of the Lord’s birth cannot be determined, and that within the Christian Church no such festival as Christmas was ever heard of till the third century, and that not until the fourth century was far advanced did it gain much observance.”

Additionally, the drinking of rum/alcohol which the Bible calls ‘raging’ and a ‘mocker’ and the eating of swine flesh (pork/ham) which the Bible calls ‘ unclean to you’ certainly does not show that you love the birth of the Saviour. Mirroring the way the pagans worshipped and celebrated the birth of their sun-god in ancient times does not show that you are willing to have and serve Christ ALONE as your all in all- as your Saviour.

May God grant you His love in your hearts that you may understand and appreciate the Greatest Gift for all times, for all days, for all weeks and months throughout the year- The Gift of Jesus Christ.

Ann-Marie Ballantyne