But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship. – Galatians 4:4-5
The Fulfillment of Prophecy
We gather today to delve into the reasons behind Christ’s birth, and one significant aspect we must acknowledge is the fulfillment of prophecy. Throughout the Bible, the coming of the Savior was foretold in various scriptures, marking the anticipation of His arrival among the people. From the promise given in Genesis to the detailed depictions in the prophets, we can see a thread of divine promise that leads us to Bethlehem. Each prophecy adds weight to the understanding of why Jesus was born; He wasn’t just a historical figure but the embodiment of God’s promises. Realizing this helps us appreciate the depth of God’s plan for our salvation.
Isaiah 7:14
Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel. – Isaiah 7:14
Micah 5:2
But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times. – Micah 5:2
Isaiah 9:6
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. – Isaiah 9:6
Lamentations 3:34-36
To crush underfoot all prisoners in the land, to deny people their rights before the Most High, to deprive them of justice—would not the Lord see such things? – Lamentations 3:34-36
Luke 1:30-31
But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus.” – Luke 1:30-31
The Purpose of Redemption
There lies a profound reason why Jesus was born: the purpose of redemption. As humanity has fallen short and made poor choices, sin entered the world, creating a divide between God and us. However, through Christ’s birth, we were not left in our brokenness. Jesus came to redeem us, to restore that relationship with God that we desperately need. We recognize in this fact the core of why His coming is essential. It offers not just hope but also a path to reconciliation with God. In accepting and understanding this, we can truly grasp the gravity of His birth and what it means for each of us.
Matthew 1:21
She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins. – Matthew 1:21
Romans 5:8
But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. – Romans 5:8
Ephesians 1:7
In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace. – Ephesians 1:7
John 3:16
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. – John 3:16
2 Corinthians 5:17
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! – 2 Corinthians 5:17
Bringing Hope to Humanity
As we reflect on why Jesus was born, we also discover that He came to bring genuine hope to humanity. In a world filled with despair and confusion, His birth marked the arrival of hope personified. He showed us that no matter how dark the circumstances might be, there is a light that overcomes that darkness. By spreading this hope, we are encouraged to not give up but instead put our faith in the One who can change everything. This promise reassures us that hope and healing are possible because Jesus came to give us that assurance.
Isaiah 42:7
To open the eyes that are blind, to free captives from prison and to release from the dungeon those who sit in darkness. – Isaiah 42:7
Luke 2:10-11
But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David, a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.” – Luke 2:10-11
John 14:27
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. – John 14:27
Romans 15:13
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. – Romans 15:13
Psalms 33:22
May your unfailing love be with us, Lord, even as we put our hope in you. – Psalms 33:22
Manifestation of God’s Love
When we think about the reasons for Jesus’s birth, we cannot overlook the profound manifestation of God’s love. God chose to enter the human experience, showing us exactly what love looks like. His willingness to be born as a humble child illustrates that love is about servitude and selflessness. We are reminded of how deeply God cares for us. This acts as a testament to His loving nature and reminds us that we are worthy of love, forgiveness, and redemption. By grasping this truth, we can begin to truly understand the depth of love behind Christ’s coming.
Romans 5:5
And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us. – Romans 5:5
1 John 4:9
This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. – 1 John 4:9
John 15:13
Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. – John 15:13
1 John 4:21
And he has given us this command: Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister. – 1 John 4:21
Psalms 136:26
Give thanks to the God of heaven. His love endures forever. – Psalms 136:26
Establishing a New Covenant
Another reason for Jesus’s birth is to establish a new covenant between God and humanity. The old covenant, centered around the law, was fulfilled and transformed through Christ. His birth signified a new beginning, characterized by grace and truth. Through Jesus, we are invited into a personal relationship with God, free from the constraints of the past. This new covenant is an expression of God’s desire for closeness and intimacy with us. Embracing this promise allows us to experience God’s unending grace, which enriches our lives.
Hebrews 8:6
But in fact the ministry Jesus has received is as superior to theirs as the covenant of which he is mediator is superior to the old one, since the new covenant is established on better promises. – Hebrews 8:6
1 Corinthians 11:25
In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.” – 1 Corinthians 11:25
Galatians 3:16
The promises were spoken to Abraham and to his seed. Scripture does not say “and to seeds,” meaning many people, but “and to your seed,” meaning one person, who is Christ. – Galatians 3:16
Hebrews 9:15
For this reason Christ is the mediator of a new covenant, that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance—now that he has died as a ransom to set them free from the sins committed under the first covenant. – Hebrews 9:15
Colossians 1:13-14
For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. – Colossians 1:13-14
Bringing Freedom and Deliverance
Lastly, Jesus was born to bring freedom and deliverance to those held captive. The birth of Christ is a joyful announcement that we no longer have to live in bondage to sin, fear, or despair. He came to provide a way out, allowing us to step into the fullness of life that God desires for us. When we acknowledge our need for Him and open our hearts, we can experience profound transformation. Jesus’s birth is not just a moment in history; it’s a catalyst for change in our lives and the world around us.
Galatians 5:1
It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. – Galatians 5:1
Luke 4:18
The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free. – Luke 4:18
John 8:36
So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. – John 8:36
Acts 10:38
How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how he went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him. – Acts 10:38
2 Timothy 1:7
For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. – 2 Timothy 1:7
Final Thoughts
As we reflect on the reasons behind Jesus’s birth, we come to understand various profound purposes His coming serves. From fulfilling the prophecies to establishing a new covenant, the message is crystal clear: Jesus was born to redeem, restore, and give us hope. His birth is a powerful expression of God’s love for us and reminds us of the profound freedom we can find in His presence. We should hold onto this truth, knowing that Jesus’s arrival offers us much more than a historical celebration. It marks the beginning of renewed life, filled with hope, love, and the promise of forever.
We encourage you to seek further understanding of the great love God has for us and explore other topics, such as faith in God and loving one another. There is always more to discover in our journey of faith!