Carols and carolers, jingles, sparkling lights of different colors, lanterns and trees, busy shoppers, gifts, food, parties, and a cold winter breeze. What do they have in common? Yes, you’re right. They all tell you that Christmas is here. We all prepare for Christmas. Beginning with the month of October, people in many parts of the Christian world think about how to celebrate the coming of the Jesus as a babe.
Christmas is an important season for Bible-believing Christians because we remember that God came in human form as part of God’s wonderful plan of redemption. But we should realize that the plan will never have its fulfillment if Jesus did not die and live again. His resurrection completes our salvation.
Here are some reasons why we should celebrate because Jesus is alive.
The empty tomb indicates that death is not the end but only the beginning.
Once, death was looked upon as the end; the closing of a great door. But not until Jesus arose from the grave. While He was still alive, He made one of His “I am” claims – “I am the resurrection and the life” (John 11:25). True to His word, Jesus was not in the tomb when some disciples looked for Him more than 72 hours after His death. The tomb was empty because JESUS IS ALIVE!
Believers in Jesus have this hope of glory. Death is not the end but the beginning of life eternal with Jesus. His resurrection proves that there is life after we die. Trusting Him as Savior gives us the assurance of being with Him in heaven.
Because Jesus is alive, we have not believed in vain.
Do you know how important Jesus’ resurrection is in relation to our faith? The Apostle Paul addressed this in his letter to the Corinthians. If Jesus was not raised to life, it means
- All the sermons we heard in church are useless, so is our faith.
- We are false witnesses to His resurrection.
- We continue to live in sin.
- Eternal life is not true and we will all perish.
Thank God JESUS IS ALIVE! So keep on believing Him.
The resurrection of Jesus is a statement of victory.
The last enemy to be defeated is death. But Jesus conquered it. Death could not hold him. JESUS IS ALIVE!
He shares this victory to all who would believe. While we live in this world of hatred and bitterness, our faith in His resurrection gives hope that these troubles are momentary only. Because Jesus triumphed over death, we have the victory over whatever life brings us. His victory is our victory.
If we rejoice over Christmas, we should rejoice over Jesus’ resurrection more. His death and resurrection have made our life and hope secure. Let’s celebrate because JESUS IS ALIVE!