There is so much beauty in the Christmas season – the joyful carols, glittering lights, and festive decorations that surround us make it all too easy to be swept away by the outward beauty of the celebration. Yet, beneath the surface beauty lies something of a deeper significance, and the true meaning of Christmas is found only in Jesus Christ.
It is the person of Jesus Christ who calls into our lives all those characteristics that speak His name: humility, compassion, sacrifice, and the gift of eternal life. They define the essence of this season and call us to reflect His beauty in our lives. This is the true beauty of Christmas, which is not usually seen by this world.
Centuries before the first Christmas, the prophet Isaiah wrote of Christ in Isaiah 53:2-3; “He grew up before him like a tender shoot, and like a root out of dry ground. He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him. He was despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering, and familiar with pain. Like one from whom people hide their faces, he was despised, and we held him in low esteem.“
On 15th December 2024, Pr George Dass, senior pastor of Kajang Assembly of God, shared in his simple yet profound message that the beauty of Christ is not defined according to the world’s standards, but rather it is seen through a deep understanding of His character and love. The world is often centered on the external and this seems to be the focus rather than the true reason we celebrate Christmas. In understanding Christ’s qualities, we see the deeper spiritual beauty of Christmas.
Christ’s Humility: A Beauty Beyond Appearances
The portrait of Jesus by Isaiah, as outlined above, indicates to us Christ’s humility. Though He was the Son of the Most High God, He did not seek recognition or glory. Instead, He was born in a lowly manger and later grew up in an unremarkable town. Jesus chose the path of simplicity and servanthood.
Philippians 2:6-8 illustrates this humility very well:
“Who, existing in the form of God, didn’t consider being equal with God a thing to be grasped, yet emptied himself and took upon him the form of a servant, was born in the likeness of men: And having been found in human form as a man He humbled Himself and became obedient unto death-even to the extent of death by crucifixion!“
Jesus laid aside His rights in order to serve others. He left Heaven’s glory to come down to die for our sins. Similarly, as Christians, we are called to serve others even when we do not get recognition for our efforts.
Christ’s Compassion: Love in Action
Jesus’s beauty can also be seen through His deep compassion. Jesus was a people person. Matthew 9:36 says, “When He saw the crowds, He had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.“ Jesus didn’t seek to impress people with miraculous signs for personal glory, He healed and helped because He truly cared about the people He encountered.
Psalm 126:5-6 captures the heart of this compassion:
“Those who sow in tears shall reap in joy. He who continually goes forth weeping, bearing seed for sowing, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing.”
This same compassion challenges us to care deeply for others. As followers of Christ, we are called to reflect His love by extending kindness, generosity, and grace to the people around us. By doing so, we embody Christ’s compassion and become a bridge for others to experience His transformative love.
The Sacrificial Love of Christ
Jesus was not just humble and compassionate. Above all, the ultimate expression of Christ’s beauty is found in His sacrificial love. John 15:13 declares, “Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.” Jesus loved us enough to give His life for us.
The cross was a symbol of shame, but it became a symbol of ultimate beauty and love. Jesus, the sinless Son of God, willingly bore the punishment for humanity’s sins. His death and resurrection offer a powerful paradox; in the ugliness of suffering, we find the beauty of redemption. On the cross, Jesus demonstrated a love so profound that it redefines our understanding of beauty.
Christ’s sacrifice wasn’t for the righteous but for sinners. This truth transforms how we view the cross and Christmas. Jesus’ birth was not merely a celebration of life but the first step towards what would culminate in the ultimate act of love. His humility in coming to Earth further underscores the depth of His commitment to save us.
As we celebrate Christmas, let us remember that Christ’s sacrifice is the greatest gift of all, and let us similarly live a life of sacrificial love. We are to love each other as Jesus loved us. We may not have to die for someone, but there are other ways to practise sacrificial love – listening, helping, encouraging, giving. Think of someone in particular who needs this kind of love today.
An Invitation to an Abundant and Eternal LIfe
What makes Christ – indeed what makes Christmas – truly beautiful is that in Him we have an Almighty Savior who loves us so much that He humbled Himself, led a life of compassion that transcended all boundaries, and who died for us while we were still sinners.
Christ extends to us an invitation to eternal life. In John 10:10, Jesus says, “I have come that they may have life and have it to the full.” This life is not fleeting happiness but an abundant, joyful existence that begins now and stretches into eternity. Christ’s invitation into an abundant life offers us hope and purpose.
Pr George expressed that for many of us, Christ intervened at a time when we were in darkness, burdened by hopelessness. His love lifted us from despair and gave us peace, joy, and purpose. His presence sustains us, His words give life, and His Spirit empowers us to live differently.
The True Beauty of Christmas
In Isaiah 9:6 it is proclaimed, “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.” This is the Savior we celebrate – not for what He can do for us, but for who He is. Jesus’s life, death, and resurrection are the reasons we celebrate. This Christmas, let us make Christ the centerpiece of our celebrations.
May this Christmas be a time of transformation as we are captivated by the beauty of Christ. Let His love, humility, and sacrifice inspire us to share His message with a world in need. This season, let Jesus be the center of our celebration and the reason for our joy.
Let us lift Him up so that others may see His beauty and be drawn to His eternal hope.
Christianity Malaysia would like to thank Pr George Dass and the church of Kajang Assembly of God for his hospitality, generosity, and kind help throughout the production of this article and for their support of our ministry throughout the years. May every reader of this article be blessed and encouraged by the message as we reflect on Christ’s beauty and the true meaning of the season this Christmas.
|Share The Good News|
Leave a Reply