Jesus is not the reason for the season

Jesus is not the reason for the season. I know that may sound like a shocking statement, especially coming from a pastor but oh well. This phrase, "Jesus is the reason for the season" has always rubbed me the wrong way, I cringe every time I see it or when someone sends a Christmas card with it. I imagine it was some slick slogan drummed up by a marketing team to compete with the over commercialization of Christmas, but for the love of God please stop saying it.

I know and understand that we, as humans, are different in many ways, but bad theology always has been and will continue to be BAD theology. Jesus didn't come into the world for Jesus. God didn't send his Son to earth or to the cross for that matter for himself. Isaiah 9 states, "For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." And we read in Luke 2, "Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.  But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people:  to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord."

For all people, to you, for us, to us; we are the reason for the season, not Jesus. Jesus came for you, for everyone that has ever been and for everyone who will ever be. God is self sufficient, He sent His Son for the redemption of all of creation, so that we may gain salvation and everlasting life if we choose to believe in Jesus Christ. Jesus came to restore what was lost in the Garden so many years ago. He came to take what we deserve, death, to rescue us from slavery, not from slavery in Egypt, but from the slavery of sin, death, Satan, and Hell.

You are the reason for the season, you are the reason for Christmas. The next time someone asks what Christmas is all about, tell them Christmas is about them, us. Tell them about what God did for them and why he did it. "For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life." John 3:16. Enjoy Christmas, after all you are the reason for the manger. Worship God in a new way this Christmas, step into the calling he has given you, the life he wants you to have. Remember the words of Jesus, "I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly." - Merry Christmas to you all.