Merry Christmas Download: christmas.pdf (84KB) Complete Tract Listing Next Related Tract: Christmas .pdf files - Printing - Hint on printing this double-sided tract: print one side then rotate the page 180 degrees to print the other side.

It's a wonderful time of year: presents and parties, candles and decorations, busy malls and Christmas bonuses. Do you ever wonder why? Why all the festivities? Why all the gifts? What's the reason for the season? The answer is found in the Bible. Christmas is celebrated because Jesus, the Son of God, entered our world to save us.

Why do we need to be saved?

Because all have rebelled against God, which is sin that leads to eternal condemnation for those who reject the way of escape God provided. "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 6:23).

Why did Jesus Himself have to come?

Because even the holiest person cannot meet God's requirements to be able to pay the penalty of sin. So God "made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him" (2 Corinthians 5:21).

Why did Jesus have to become a human?

Because since humans had sinned, a human had to bear the punishment. "In all things He had to be made like His brethren, that He might be a merciful and faithful High Priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people" (Hebrews 2:17).

Why did Jesus have to die?

Because sin is so terrible that God decreed its punishment was death for "without shedding of blood there is no remission" (Hebrews 9:22). "Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God" (1 Peter 3:18).

Was that the end of Jesus?

No, "He rose again the third day" (1 Corinthians 15:4). After being seen by many, He "has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God" (1 Peter 3:22). Jesus will return to judge all people, "for the Son of Man will come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and then He will reward each according to his works" (Matthew 16:27).

Why didn't God leave us in our rebellion?

Because God loves us and doesn't want anyone to be lost. "The Lord is... not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance" (2 Peter 3:9).

Why do I have to believe this?

Because there is no other way to become a child of God and have eternal life than by a true faith in Jesus Christ. Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me" (John 14:6).

How then should Christmas be celebrated?

• By studying God's Word (the Christmas story is Luke 1:26-2:20).

• By repenting of your sin and asking Jesus to come into your heart.

• By demonstrating love to others.

• By attending church and joining Jesus' followers in celebrating His salvation.

• By telling others the reason for the season.