REMEMBERING JESUS
CHRIST
reason why some
celebrate christmas.
Regarding Christmas, some say that Jesus is “the reason for
the season.” They celebrate Christmas to commemorate his birthday.
WHY IS IT A
CHALLENGE?
Popular Christmas music and many Christmas customs have
little to do with Jesus Christ. Millions who celebrate the holiday do not put
faith in him; some do not even believe that he existed. In the commercial
world, Christmas has become a holiday to advertise goods rather than an
occasion to remember Jesus.
WHAT BIBLE PRINCIPLES
CAN HELP?
“The Son of man came . . . to give his soul a ransom in
exchange for many.” (Mark 10:45) Jesus spoke the words quoted at the beginning
of this article, obviously not on his birthday, but on the night before he
died. On that evening, he instituted a simple ceremony to memorialize his
death. Yet, why would Jesus want his followers to remember his death rather
than his birth? Because Jesus’ ransom sacrifice gives obedient humans the
opportunity to receive everlasting life. “The wages sin pays is death,” says
the Bible, “but the gift God gives is everlasting life by Christ Jesus our
Lord.” (Romans 6:23) Thus, each year, on the anniversary of his death, Jesus’
followers remember Jesus Christ, not as a helpless infant, but as “the savior
of the world.”—John 4:42.
“Christ suffered for you, leaving you a model for you to
follow his steps closely.” (1 Peter 2:21) To honor and remember Jesus, you
should study his example as a perfect, intelligent man. Also, meditate on the
way Jesus displayed compassion, patience, and the courage to do what is right,
and look for opportunities to imitate him in your own life.
“The kingdom of the world did become the kingdom of our Lord
and of his Christ, and he will rule as king forever and ever.” (Revelation
11:15) When you remember Jesus Christ, consider what he is doing now. Jesus is
ruling as a heavenly King. God’s Word prophesied regarding Jesus: “With
righteousness he must judge the lowly ones, and with uprightness he must give
reproof in behalf of the meek ones of the earth.” (Isaiah 11:4) Those appealing
qualities belong, not to a newborn baby, but to a mighty Ruler.
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