The Three Purposes of Christmas
A Christmas Message From Pastor Rick Warren
Merry Christmas, dear friends!
Have I told you lately that I love you? You know I do.
In the next minute or so, I want to show you a simple way to explain the three purposes of Christmas to your family and friends—by remembering just three words.
Right now, billions of people around the world are celebrating Christmas. Yet most have no idea why Christmas really matters. The three purposes of Christmas are found in the three announcements the angels made to the shepherds at the very first Christmas, over 2,000 years ago. We read them in Luke’s gospel.
Christmas is a time for three things:
Celebration.
Salvation.
Reconciliation.
1. Christmas Is a Time for Celebration
When the angel appeared to the shepherds, the first thing he said was:
“Don’t be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy—and it is for all people.”
The first purpose of Christmas is celebration. It’s time to party—specifically, a birthday party for Jesus. Christmas is a festival, not a funeral.
It’s good news that brings great joy. And who is this celebration for? Not just Christians. Not just religious people. The angel said it clearly: this good news is for all people. Christmas is for everyone.
You’ve probably seen signs that say, “Keep Christ in Christmas.” I always want to respond, Christ has never been out of Christmas! It’s his birthday we’re celebrating. So have fun. Enjoy it. Celebrate.
That’s the first purpose of Christmas.
2. Christmas Is a Time for Salvation
The angel’s next announcement was this:
“A Savior has been born to you today in the city of Bethlehem.”
If we didn’t need a Savior, God wouldn’t have sent one.
The second purpose of Christmas is salvation.
Jesus came to save us—from our past mistakes, our regrets, our resentments, our fears, our loneliness, our lack of purpose, our inability to break bad habits, and a thousand other things we need saving from—including ourselves.
Jesus came so we could have our past forgiven, a purpose for living, and a home in heaven. Who else can offer you that? No one.
That is God’s Christmas gift to you—his love, wrapped up in Jesus—if you’re willing to receive it.
Christmas is a time for celebration, and it’s a time for salvation.
3. Christmas Is a Time for Reconciliation
Here’s the third purpose of Christmas: reconciliation.
The angels also announced that Jesus came to bring:
“Peace on earth and goodwill to all people.”
And we need that now more than ever.
Our world feels more divided, more polarized, and more angry than it has in a long time. Everywhere you look—especially on social media—people are yelling at each other. Conflict is everywhere.
Sadly, even when families gather at Christmas, there’s often unresolved tension.
We need more than celebration.
We need salvation.
And we desperately need reconciliation.
Reconciliation with God—and reconciliation with one another.
Remember the Three Purposes
So remember these three words, and share them with others:
- Celebration — Christmas is good news of great joy for all people.
- Salvation — God sent a Savior for everyone, regardless of background.
- Reconciliation — Tear down walls. Rebuild bridges. Spread a little love.
That’s what Christmas is all about.
I hope you’ll pass this message along—and maybe even share it with the people you’re celebrating Christmas with.
A Personal Note
Before I close, I want to thank all of you who have sent Kay and me Christmas cards updating us on your families. We love receiving them. They help me pray for you personally and intentionally.
From all of us at Finishing the Task—and on behalf of the more than one million congregations, organizations, denominations, and generations working together as Great Commission allies—we wish you a merry Christmas and a wonderful new year.
Please stay in touch. And if you’re not receiving Daily Hope, my daily email devotional, you can sign up at pastorrick.com.
I’ll also be sharing a short video on New Year’s Day about how to experience a new you in the new year.
Merry Christmas.
I love you.
