Christmas

Christmas is more than a season of lights, gifts, and joyful carols—at its heart, it is a profound celebration of hope, freedom, and salvation. It centers on the birth of Jesus Christ, the God-man who took on flesh to dwell among His people. But why was Jesus born? This question demands an answer because the story of Jesus is not merely a heartwarming tale; it is a pivotal event with eternal significance.

Why Jesus Came: A Mission Rooted in Liberation of Sin

The birth of Jesus is tied directly to His mission. His ministry began with clarity and power, as described in Luke 4:14-21. Standing in His hometown synagogue in Nazareth, Jesus read from Isaiah 61, a passage that encapsulated His purpose: to bring good news to the poor, proclaim liberty to the captives, give sight to the blind, and set the oppressed free. This was His “job description”—a mission of teaching, proclaiming, and fulfilling God’s promises.

Nazareth, a town shrouded in doubt and seen as unremarkable, became the unlikely stage for Jesus to declare His divine mandate. As the anointed One, His ministry brought hope to the most brokenhearted, reminding them—and us—of God’s profound love and redemption.

The Year of Jubilee: A Picture of Salvation

In Luke 4:19, Jesus proclaims “the year of the Lord’s favor,” a reference to the Old Testament concept of Jubilee (Leviticus 25). Jubilee marked a time of freedom, restoration, and redemption: debts were forgiven, enslaved individuals were released, and land was returned to its rightful owners.

For the Israelites, Jubilee symbolized a fresh start, a divine reset. Jesus, however, introduced a new and greater Jubilee—one that wasn’t confined to a 50-year cycle but brought eternal freedom. His message was not about economic reform or social justice alone; it was about spiritual liberation.

For the poor, the spiritually bankrupt, and those enslaved by sin, Jesus offered forgiveness, light, and a restored relationship with God. His work was not just to heal physical ailments or address temporary circumstances but to bring ultimate salvation through His life, death, and resurrection.

Jesus: A Savior, Not a Revolutionary

While some may misinterpret Jesus’ mission as one of social or political upheaval, His focus was far deeper. Jesus was not a rebel or a revolutionary in the worldly sense. He wasn’t Che Guevara or Robin Hood, leading a revolt against oppression. Instead, He came to address humanity’s greatest need: the broken relationship with God caused by sin.

Through His teaching and proclamation, Jesus pointed to the ultimate solution—a spiritual Jubilee that frees us from guilt, restores our souls, and guarantees eternal life.

Hope in the Christmas Story

The Christmas story, when understood in light of Jesus’ mission, is a story of profound hope. As Jesus read Isaiah’s prophecy, He stopped short of mentioning the “day of vengeance of our God” (Isaiah 61:2). This omission wasn’t an oversight; it was intentional. Jesus’ first coming marked a time of salvation, not judgment.

Christmas reminds us that we are still living in this era of Jubilee. Salvation is available to all who come to Jesus, regardless of their background, status, or sins. For the poor, the blind, the captive, and the oppressed, Jesus offers freedom and new life.

Celebrate the True Jubilee

This Christmas, as you gather with family and friends, take time to reflect on the true meaning of this season. Jesus came to fulfill a divine mission—to proclaim the good news of salvation and usher in the ultimate Jubilee.

If you are burdened by guilt, fear, or hopelessness, Christmas is a reminder that Jesus invites you to experience freedom in Him. Don’t let this season pass without embracing the joy and hope He offers.

Come to Jesus. Celebrate your Jubilee. For in Him, we find true freedom and eternal peace.

Let this Christmas be a time of renewal—a time to rediscover the freedom, forgiveness, and hope found in Christ.