Christmas is a season of wonder and joy, but its meaning reaches far beyond the nativity scene. It’s a celebration of the incarnation—the moment when God Himself entered our world as a human being. In Hebrews 2:14–15, we find a breathtaking explanation of why Jesus came:
"Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; and deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage."
These verses show us the incredible purpose of Christ’s birth. Let’s walk through the profound truths they reveal.
1. The Incarnation: God, The Son, Robed Himself In Flesh
The heart of Christmas is the incarnation. Jesus, fully God, took on flesh and blood to identify with us. Hebrews 2:14 tells us He did this because we are human. In the manger, we see more than a baby—we see Emmanuel, “God with us.” This was no ordinary birth. God stepped into our world to bridge the gap between humanity and Himself.
By entering the world in this way, Jesus experienced life as we do. He faced hunger, pain, and temptation. He understands our struggles, yet He was without sin. The incarnation demonstrates God’s love in the most personal way—He didn’t remain distant but came close to rescue us.
2. The Purpose: Christ Was Born to Die
Christmas is not just about the cradle; it points to the cross. Hebrews 2:14 continues, saying that Jesus took on flesh “that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death.” God, in His eternal nature, cannot die. But through His humanity, Jesus could lay down His life for us.
His death was not an accident—it was His mission. Colossians 2:14 explains, “Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us… and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross.” The “handwriting of ordinances” represents the law’s judgment against us as sinners. Christ bore that judgment, canceling the debt we could never pay.
3. The Victory: Death Is Defeated
Through His sacrificial death and resurrection, Jesus defeated death itself. Hebrews 2:14 uses the word “destroy,” not to mean annihilate, but to render powerless. The devil, who wielded death as a weapon of fear, has been disarmed. The fear of death—an age-old bondage—has been shattered by Christ’s victory.
This truth is powerfully captured in Colossians 2:15: “And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.” On the cross, Jesus conquered the forces of darkness, stripping them of their authority and power. His resurrection sealed the victory, proving that the Devil and death have no hold on those who trust in Him.
4. The Gift: Liberation From Fear
Hebrews 2:15 declares that Jesus came to “deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.” The fear of death is universal—it’s a shadow that hangs over humanity. But in Christ, this fear is replaced with hope. For believers, death is not the end but the doorway to eternal life with God.
Think of this: The one who holds all power stepped into our world to break our chains. His incarnation, death, and resurrection offer us freedom—freedom from sin, fear, and hopelessness.
The True Gift of Christmas
This Christmas, as you gather with loved ones and celebrate, remember the
deeper meaning behind the season. It’s not just about a baby in a manger but about a Savior who came to rescue us. He identified with us, defeated death, and offers us eternal life.
The meaning of Christmas is the gospel itself. Let us rejoice in the gift of Jesus Christ, who loved us enough to come, die, and rise again. This is the hope that changes everything.
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