Usually we ask, “What does Christmas mean to you?” This is a worthy question and merits reflection. But I would like to reflect on a different question, “What does Christmas mean to Jesus Christ?”
First I believe that Christmas meant submission for the Lord. Jesus Christ submitted himself to God the Father and to us. Since Jesus Christ was sent from heaven, that implies submission to the Sender. We read in Philippians 2: 6-7, “Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death— even death on a cross!” He humbled himself being born in a manger. He humbled himself to death on a cross. Christmas means submission to Jesus.
Second, it means service. Mark 10:45 explains to us that he didn’t come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many. He gave us his all.
Third, it means salvation. He came to save us from our sins. He came to be obedient to death, even death on a cross. I love what Hebrews 12:2 says about Jesus, “ Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” The Bible tells us that it was for the joy that he endured the cross. The mission of Jesus was to bring us salvation and for Him it was a joy. You might say it was Christmas joy. Submission, service, salvation – that’s what Christmas means to Jesus.
Lastly, Christmas meant shining the light to Jesus. The prophet Isaiah proclaims this about Jesus, “ The people walking in darkness have seen a great light, on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned” (Isaiah 9:2). And in John 1: 9 we read, “The true light that gives light to every man was coming into the world.” Jesus came into our dark world full of fears and uncertainties and brought the light of salvation, the light of God’s glory. Jesus is the light of the world. For all of us who follow him we no longer walk in darkness but we have the light of His life present in our lives.
Since Christmas means submission, service, salvation and shining a light to Jesus, let us submit ourselves to Him, serve Him, proclaim that salvation comes through Him and reflect the light that He brings us to others.

Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Pastor Tim