C. S. Lewis explains, “Once in our world, a stable had something in it that was bigger than our whole world.” As society becomes increasingly secular, it is easy to lose sight of what is important during the hustle and bustle of this season. The meaning of Christmas is succinctly summarized in a verse of Scripture recorded in 1 Timothy 1:15. Let me draw your attention to three parts of this passage.

First, note the unlimited announcement. 1 Timothy 1:15a reads, “This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance.” Paul also writes in 2 Timothy 2:11 and Titus 3:8; it is “a faithful saying,” meaning it is reliable. We could say this announcement is “Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited,” as in the Department of Defense Distribution Statement A. In other words, this announcement is for everyone, and it is to be received wholeheartedly.

Second, note the unparalleled accomplishment. 1 Timothy 1:15b reads, “that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.” This is the heart of Christmas! Romans 5:6-8 reads, “For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Jesus said of Himself, “the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost” (Luke 19:10). John writes about Jesus, “He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him. He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him. But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God” (John 1:10-13). “For ‘whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved’” (Romans 10:13).

Third, note the unfeigned assessment. 1 Timothy 1:15c reads, “of whom I am chief.” This is the capstone of Paul’s genuine, sincere statements of personal assessment. Here is the progression of his growth in humility. Initially, he confesses, “I am the least of the apostles” (1 Corinthians 15:9); a few years later he affirms that he is “less than the least of all the saints” (Ephesians 3:8); and still later, he states he is the chief of sinners (1 Timothy 1:15). He is not saying that he is the worst sinner, but the most prominent sinner. He explains that he is an example of God’s longsuffering grace. He is saying if God can save me, He can save anybody.

David Jeremiah warns, “All the Christmas presents in the world are worth nothing without the presence of Christ.” Make certain you know Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.

Dr. Franklin L. Kirksey, of Robertsdale, is the author of "Don't Miss the Revival! Messages for Revival and Spiritual Awakening from Isaiah".