Every year, the phrase "Jesus is the reason for the season" makes its rounds, reminding us to keep Christ in Christmas and to push back against the commercialization of the holiday. And while this sentiment is true – we should honor and celebrate Christ during this time – it’s worth asking: Is Jesus truly the reason for the season? Or is there a deeper truth hidden in the familiar glow of Christmas lights and carols?

Let me share something radical: Jesus is what we celebrate, but He’s not the reason for the season. That’s because you are the reason for the season.

Starting in the Middle of the Story

The problem with how we often approach Christmas is that we start in the middle of the story. It’s like walking into a movie halfway through and trying to figure out what’s going on. Sure, you might pick up some key plot points, but without the beginning, you miss the depth of what’s unfolding.

So let’s go back to the beginning – the very beginning.

In the Beginning...

God created everything, and it was good. Perfect, even. In this pristine world, there was no sin, no shame, no guilt, no broken relationships. Adam and Eve lived in a state of shalom – a Hebrew word meaning peace, wholeness, and everything being in its proper place. They were at peace with God, with each other, and even within themselves.

But then came the Fall. Tempted by the serpent, Adam and Eve doubted God’s goodness and chose to go their own way. They ate from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thinking they would gain wisdom and freedom. Instead, they gained sin, shame, guilt, and suffering. Their choice brought brokenness into every relationship: with God, with others, and with themselves.

In that moment, humanity’s perfect relationship with God was shattered, and shalom was lost. The world became a place of toil and grief, where people constantly searched for peace but could never quite find it. Yet, even as Adam and Eve faced the consequences of their actions, God offered a glimmer of hope: the promise that one day, the serpent’s work would be undone.

A Plan in Motion

From that point on, the story of humanity was marked by God’s unfolding plan to restore what had been broken. God chose Abraham, promising that through his descendants, all nations would be blessed. But Abraham’s family was far from perfect. They were a textbook example of dysfunction, reminding us that God doesn’t call perfect people; He calls flawed people and works through them.

As time went on, humanity cycled through faithfulness and rebellion. Prophets spoke of a coming Savior who would undo the damage caused by sin. Some described this Savior as a conquering king who would establish an everlasting kingdom. Others spoke of a suffering servant who would bear the sins of many. These prophecies created a tension, leaving people wondering how these seemingly contradictory roles could be fulfilled.

The Right Time

Then, after centuries of waiting, the time was right. The world was uniquely prepared for the arrival of the Savior. Greek culture and language provided a common tongue, Roman roads allowed for safe travel, and there was a deep spiritual hunger after 400 years of prophetic silence.

And into this moment, Jesus was born.

Fulfillment of the Promise

When the angel announced Jesus’ birth to the shepherds, he declared, “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:11, ESV). This child was the fulfillment of every prophecy, the embodiment of God’s promise to undo the work of Satan.

Jesus grew up to be both the suffering servant and the conquering king. He bore our sins on the cross, taking our shame, guilt, and brokenness upon Himself. But He didn’t stay in the grave. He rose again, conquering death and securing victory over sin for all who trust in Him.

You Are the Reason

So why did Jesus do all this? Why would the eternal Son of God humble Himself to be born as a baby, live a life of obedience, and die a humiliating death?

Because of you.

The Son of Man came to seek and save the lost (Luke 19:10). He came to restore shalom, to bring you back into right relationship with God, others, and yourself. He came because He loves you, just as you are. You don’t have to earn His love or clean yourself up before coming to Him. He meets you in your brokenness and invites you into His family.

Christmas is about Jesus, but you are the reason He came. Every twinkling light, every carol sung, every gift exchanged points to this incredible truth: You are loved beyond measure. You are worth the greatest sacrifice. You are the reason for the season.

A Christmas Invitation

As you celebrate this Christmas, I invite you to reflect on the fullness of the story. Don’t just stop at the manger. Look to the cross and the empty tomb. See the lengths God went to for you. And know that His love is not just a distant, abstract concept. It’s personal. It’s for you.

And if you’ve never experienced the peace and joy that come from knowing Jesus, this season is the perfect time to start. You don’t have to have all the answers or have everything figured out. Simply come as you are and let Him do the rest. The same God who orchestrated history to bring Jesus into the world is at work in your life, drawing you to Himself.

Jesus said, "Seek and you shall find." If you've never sought Jesus, today is the perfect day to start.

Much grace and peace to you!