The true meaning of Christmas is that Jesus Christ, God Himself, came to earth to be born into the human race. But why did he come?
Some believe Christ came to give us an example of God’s love. Many consider him the greatest teacher of all time.

But the Bible – referring to Jesus as the “Son of Man” to show how he took on humanity – tells us exactly why he came:

“For the Son of Man came to seek and save the lost.” (Luke 19:10)

Jesus did not come as a tourist or an educator or philosopher.  Jesus came as a Savior seeking to save “the lost,” those who were estranged from God by their sins.  We are all lost without God – lost without hope, lost in a tangled web of sin.

If Jesus had never come to earth, we would be condemned because “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23).

The best among us are still rebels in need of God’s mercy.  We need salvation, not reformation.  We need forgiveness, not lectures on morality.  We need a new life, not a new leaf.

What we need, Jesus Christ, God’s sinless Son came to earth to provide.  He did it by dying on a cross – taking the consequences our sinfulness deserved.  It was the only way God could give us the greatest gift ever – forgiveness of sins and an eternal relationship with Him.

When we truly believe that Jesus died and rose again for us, that moment all our sins are fully pardoned.

Everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness through his name…

For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

(Acts 10:43, Romans 6:23)

If you believe that Jesus is the only way to God, simply tell God in your own words.  You may want to express your trust in Christ with a simple prayer like this:

“Dear God, I admit that I’m a sinner in need of your forgiveness.  I believe that when Jesus died on the cross, he was taking the punishment I deserve for my sins.  I’m convinced that Jesus is the only way my sin debt can be paid.  I humbly accept your wonderful offer of forgiveness and eternal like through Jesus Christ.  Thank you for seeking me and saving me from my lost condition.  Amen.”