We are once again in the Christmas season, a time we experience every year, much like the celebration of our birthdays. Yet, despite its annual recurrence, the debate about the true meaning of Christmas has not ceased. For many, Christmas has been reduced to holidays, festivities, and an abundance of food. A growing number of people no longer see it as the celebration of a real, divine event, but rather as a tale, an imaginative narrative, or even an intentionally fabricated story or falsehood.
In many parts of the world, especially in America, children know more about Santa Claus than about Christ. At various times, Christmas itself has been challenged or marginalized in public life. While policies and administrations come and go, we must remember that Christmas does not stand or fall on political endorsement. Its truth is eternal, rooted in God’s redemptive plan for humanity. Thank God for the current administration of Donald J Trump, which promoted the celebration of Christmas.
Christmas is, above all, good news, great joy to the world. It marks the fulfillment of God’s promise: the birth of the long-expected Savior. This birth was announced by an angel of the Lord to shepherds in the fields, declaring:
“Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David, a Savior has been born to you; He is the Messiah, the Lord.”
(Luke 2:10–11)
Suddenly, a multitude of the heavenly host appeared, praising God and proclaiming peace on earth (Luke 2:10-14). Heaven itself celebrated what humanity desperately needed.
The world began its tragic descent when Adam and Eve disobeyed God. Sin entered humanity, and wickedness spread. At one point in history, God judged the earth through the flood, sparing only Noah and those with him. Though Noah was found righteous, even he could not live above sin permanently. Humanity was helpless, spiritually broken, and in need of a Savior.
That Savior was promised, and Christmas marks the fulfillment of that promise.
One may ask, “If the Savior has come, why is the world still in chaos?” Years ago, while working as an intern at Jebba Paper Mill in Nigeria, I met a Baptist pastor whose words have stayed with me: “In a godless world, anything can happen.”
Sin is, at its core, obedience to Satan, the opposite of God’s goodness. Humanity, created in God’s image, was meant to reflect His goodness. Yet Satan, whose mission is to steal, kill, and destroy, has held humanity spiritually captive. We see the result everywhere: violence, corruption, injustice, and moral decay.
Today, the world is in turmoil. Mass shootings, wars, and bloodshed dominate headlines. Nations rise against nations. Communities collapse from within. Education, politics, and culture often become tools to undermine God and godly values.
Jesus said:
“I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” (John 10:10)
And Scripture declares:
“For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son…” (John 3:16)
Yet humanity remains divided because the gift has been rejected. When God is removed from society, wickedness flourishes. There is nothing inherently wrong with the planet; it is humanity that is broken. Satan, though a spirit, operates through human beings. This is why Scripture reminds us that the Son of God appeared to destroy the works of the devil (1 John 3:8).
Christmas, therefore, is not merely a celebration; it is a reminder. A reminder that Jesus Christ entered the world to break the power of sin, redeem humanity, and restore what was lost.
That is the reason for Christmas.
Nothing more, and certainly nothing less.
Michael Jolayemi is the Author of:
- Saving America: The war we can’t ignore
- Sheltered Through the Storm: The Travails and Ultimate Triumph of the Church
- The Mysteries of God, the Origin We Don’t Know, the Eternity We Should Believe
- Watch out for his next book – Defying Death – How to Live and Not Die
