Discussing Christmas traditions with an excited group of children, a young boy’s smile faded as he told me he couldn’t spend Christmas with his daddy. I inquired further, expecting the boy to cite divorce or death as a reason. My mind began forming words to encourage the boy.

“He’s in jail,” he said.

I stammered slightly, unsure how to respond to this revelation.

Quietly, I replied, “You know, no matter what circumstance caused your daddy to be in jail, there is nothing God won’t forgive unless a person doesn’t ever accept Jesus.”

As we created Christmas decorations together, I reminded those gathered around the table “Jesus is the reason for the season.” Then I explained what the phrase means and why.

When we celebrate the birth of Jesus, we celebrate the depth of God’s love for humanity. God loves us so much “… He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” [John 3:16 NIV]

Jesus. His name is not just the “name above all names.” He is the King of Kings. The Lord of Lords. The Prince of Peace. The Messiah. The Savior of the World. His birth is Christmas. The first step on earth toward salvation for man.

Joy to the World!

Like this young boy, the blows of life threaten to chase away our joy. We know for many holidays magnify an endless list of struggles: the loss of loved ones; broken relationships; failing marriages; addiction; mental illness or physical health issues; financial worries; bitterness and anger; depression; unconfessed sin, and more. Even the volume of possible struggles is heartbreaking.

Christian joy is not a happiness based on how well things are going in our life. Perhaps the best description is an inner peace planted deep within the soul based on our faith and trust in Jesus Christ. The more we know Jesus, the more joy we experience – even in the heat of suffering.

Notice I did not say the more we know about Jesus. We may learn all there is to know about Jesus and still not have a relationship with him.

Since God desires a close and personal relationship with us, the trials and sufferings we face in this world should cause us to long for our Heavenly home. There is only one way to Heaven.

“Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.’” [John 14:6 NIV]

THE way.

THE truth.

THE life.

THE Father.

Singular. There is no other way to the One and Only Father except through His One and Only Son.

Jesus was born to die on the cross as the atonement for all our sins – past, present and future. Yours and mine. Not one of us is sinless.

“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” [Romans 3:23 NIV]

Our punishment for that sin is eternal separation from God – much worse than jail – but God gave us a precious gift to restore us to Him.

“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” [Romans 6:23 NIV]

“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” [Romans 5:8 NIV]

Therefore, when we celebrate the birth of Jesus, we celebrate God’s love and the gift of salvation. It is free to us, but not without cost. Jesus paid the price for us on the cross, and it is available to all who will accept it, just as we are. His blood washes us clean. We cannot do that on our own.

“If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.” [Romans 10:9-10 NIV]

Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” [Romans 10:13 NIV]

Without this birth, there would be no Jesus. No cross. No resurrection. No salvation. No hope. No peace. No joy. No reason for Christmas.

“Jesus is the reason for the season.” It is not just a catchy phrase, or some singsong slogan.

It is truth.

Maybe you already have a deep, personal relationship with Jesus, but the hustle and bustle of holiday activities threatens to steal your joy. Maybe someone you love, like this young boy’s father, is in prison. Maybe you feel shackled and weighted by something you are trying to carry alone. Maybe your soul has been crying for hope, peace and joy.

I pray whatever your circumstance, you have accepted or will accept the best gift to all humanity: Jesus

I pray you will surrender your heart, your burdens, and your will to Him. Among all gifts, the gift of salvation through Jesus Christ is the best gift we will ever receive, and the best gift we will ever share with others.

Share Him freely, and often.

After all, He is the reason we celebrate this season.