Some like to nit pick on the day or time Jesus was born, but likely the time was October. However, it is also very likely that when Jesus was about 2 years old (the reason Herod chose boys 2 and younger), around the month that we call December, some magi came and visited Jesus to give him their gifts (Here is an awesome article on what might have happened). It has been tradition for near 2 Millennia of the church to celebrate the birth of Christ around this time of year. And, though Jesus became a man and grew in wisdom and stature (Luke 2:52), Christmas is, most definitely, a time to honor and remember Christ.
Why is it so important? If only for this reason, that God fulfilled millennia of promises on the day Jesus was born is enough. But if you need more reasons, promises of Peace on Earth and Goodwill to men, the promise of what Christ brought to us through His sacrifice and the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit. God fulfills His promises, and Jesus is proof of that. Jesus brings us to a place where we could not go ourselves: a right relationship with God the Father in spite of ourselves. No act of righteousness we could ever do could ever compare with what Jesus has done. We can't make up for a life of sin with a little sacrifice, but Jesus, once and for all, lived as one of us, perfectly human, and died a sinner's death to pay for our mistakes.
So enjoy your time with family. Enjoy giving gifts, but keep on your heart, lips, and actions that Christmas is for Christ.
Luke 2:8-21 English Standard Version (ESV)
The Shepherds and the Angels
8 And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. 10 And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,
14 “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”[a]
15 When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. 17 And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. 18 And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. 20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.
21 And at the end of eight days, when he was circumcised, he was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.
Footnotes:
Luke 2:14 Some manuscripts peace, good will among men
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