Although there is much debate on when He was born (definitely not December 25th) and whether we should celebrate it or how to celebrate it, there is no debate as to WHY He was born.  His birth and life had one purpose.

Isaiah 9:6-7 ( NKJV )     For unto us a Child is born,     Unto us a Son is given;     And the government will be upon His shoulder.     And His name will be called     Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,     Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Of the increase of His government and peace     There will be no end,     Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom,     To order it and establish it with judgment and justice     From that time forward, even forever.     The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.

John 3:16-17 ( NKJV ) For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.  For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.

Everything we need to know about “WHY” is right there.

We can either accept this Gift or ignore this Gift but we cannot deny it.  God’s love for us and His desire to have relationship with us again inspired it.  The Lord’s love for us completed it.  It’s up to us to confirm it and receive it.

The most striking thing to me about His birth, besides the above, is that religious leaders who had been waiting for the the Messiah for 1000’s of years did not travel the 8-miles from Jerusalem to Bethlehem to confirm His birth.  And, pagan star gazers traveled thousands of miles and many, many months to see the Newborn King.  They even stopped along the way to purchase the famous gifts we sing about.  The knew you didn’t not visit a King without bearing gifts.  The shepherds who were guarding the Temple Sheep being raised for the Passover sacrifice in the fields left their posts to come see the Savior the angel announced to them.  Lowly shepherds and  Stargazing Magi knew enough to come see the Gift To The World while the religious leaders who should have been watching for His arrival didn’t even bother.

If that’s not a commentary on the difference between religion and relationship I don’t know what is!

As you celebrate in the coming days and enter in the New Year resolve yourself to accept this Gift and receive the relationship intended from it.

He was born for you.
He died for you.
He lives for you!

Shalom & Blessings,
Richard J Grund