I love nativity scenes. They’re one of my favorite Christmas traditions for several reasons, but one of the main reasons is that they cause me to think of the various perspectives of the characters represented.
For example, I often think of Joseph. I imagine how he likely felt both awe and trepidation as he considered his role in Jesus’ story. Then I think of the shepherds, who probably felt they didn’t even deserve to be in Jesus’ presence. Next, I often think of the wise men—intelligent, wealthy magi from the east who traveled far to find the Messiah.
Considering how far these wise men traveled, I have often wondered why the chief priests and other prominent religious leaders didn’t travel to Jesus’ birthplace. After all, they had learned the same prophecies as the wise men—and they were only five miles away!
Each time I ponder this, I’m reminded of this reality: we can all have a theological and eschatological understanding of Jesus and still not receive the purposes for which He came. There’s a vast difference between simply having proof of Jesus’ existence and receiving the purposes for His existence in our hearts.
In 2 Timothy 2:8, Paul said, “Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from David…” This remembering is not simply calling to mind a memory; it’s remaining mindful of something that moves us to action. As we remember the true reason Jesus came, allowing that reason to inspire us to action, we will experience the beauty of Christmas like we never have before.
So now let’s answer the question: why did He come? Scripture gives us three reasons—and guess what? They all revolve around us. The first reason He came was to save us from spiritual death through the power of salvation. Romans 5:12 says, “Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all people…”
Another reason Jesus came was to set us free from satanic dominion while on earth through the power of consecration. Ephesians 2:1-2 says, “As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient.”
Finally, Jesus came to restore blessing that sin damaged. In Romans 5:17, Paul wrote: “For if, by the trespass of the one man, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive God’s abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ!”
God has an incredible future in store for each of us. So this Christmas season, let’s allow a true remembrance of why He came to cause us to submit ourselves to His leading. When Jesus is in charge, the best is always yet to come!
