Like the angels, let us proclaim these “good tidings of great joy which will be to all people” ( Luke 2:10, NKJV). This Christmas, we can share the good news of the Savior who offers us the greatest gift. To our Jehovah’s Witness friends, we should seek to declutter the conversation and focus on the important matter of Jesus’ identity and reason for coming. Because of His grace and love, we worship and praise Him. We are not throwing a birthday party but reflecting on the special moment when God the Son stepped into history and identified with humanity to redeem us. When believers choose to observe the holiday, they are celebrating Jesus’ coming into the world to bring salvation. Yes, people focus too much on Santa Claus and presents during Christmas, but that is not what Christmas is about. Why Does This Matter?ĭuring the holiday season, we may encounter Jehovah’s Witnesses at our doorstep, passing out pamphlets at a store or in our neighborhood.Īlthough they will likely talk to us, raising objections about Christmas and its “pagan” roots, we need to stay focused on the central issue. May we use the celebration of Jesus’ first coming to proclaim the good news to those in darkness. Let us share this love and passion for Jesus with others during Christmas, including those who are caught in the cult of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Like the angels, shepherds, and wise men who worshiped and glorified Jesus on that first Christmas, our hearts and voices cry out in praise of Christ ( Matthew 2:11 Luke 2:8-20). Our God and Savior has given us the most wonderful gift in the universe that no one can ever take away or destroy. We cannot help but praise and worship Him. The salvation that Jesus came to give us is why Christians celebrate Christmas. However, our deeds or works do nothing to save us or earn right standing before God. Once we are saved, God has good works prepared for us to do, which are a result of our faith ( Ephesians 2:10). No one could ever be good enough since we all fall short of the glory of God ( Romans 3:23). Unlike the teaching of the Jehovah’s Witnesses, the Bible teaches that salvation is by grace through faith and not by works ( Ephesians 2:8-9). Because of His death and resurrection, anyone can receive salvation when they place their faith (or trust) in Him ( John 11:25 1 Corinthians 15:1-4). On the third day, He was physically and bodily resurrected, demonstrating his victory over death ( Luke 24:39 1 Corinthians 15:57). A mere human could not die for the sins of the world, but Jesus could since He is both God and man.īearing our sins in His body, He paid the penalty so we would not have to suffer punishment ( 1 Peter 2:24). Since Jesus is completely God and fully human, He was able to die in our place to pay for the punishment of our sins ( Hebrews 2:17). ![]() ![]() Christmas points us to the wonderful news that God the Father sent His Son into the world to bring us salvation ( John 3:16).
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