Why Was Jesus Born?

At Christmas we celebrate the birth of Jesus. Why? Why is Jesus' birthday so important?

Matthew 1:20-21

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Why was Jesus born? Was it to teach us about God? Was it to show us how to love one another? Was it so that we could just learn to get along? In a vision, Joseph was told why Jesus was born.

He had been thinking of divorcing his fiancee Mary because he had learned she was pregnant with Jesus. God sent an angel to Joseph in a vision. And this is what the angel said to him.

“Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because He will save his people from this sins.” (Matthew 1:20-21)

So why was Jesus born? He was born to save his people from their sins. In fact he was given the name Jesus to indicate that very thing. Jesus means ‘the Lord saves.’ Now it was a common name at that time, but Jesus was the only one to wear it in truth. Because he was born to bear people’s sins and to suffer and die in payment for them. He was born to be the Savior.

So when it says he will save his people from their sins, God wants you to know that that includes you. Jesus was born to save you. God wants you to celebrate Christmas. Not because you get lots of gifts from others, but because God has given you the great gift of Jesus. Someone to take away your sins so that you can be forgiven, and one day be with God in heaven.

May you then receive the true peace that Christmas gives. Not just between family and friends and neighbors, but between man and God. Jesus was born. He is your savior. You are forgiven, amen.

Timothy Hartwig
Timothy Hartwig

Tim Hartwig is currently serving as President of the Evangelical Lutheran Theological Seminary.

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