Christmas is celebrated worldwide, but the question of who we are truly celebrating often becomes a point of debate and reflection. Is Jesus merely a prophet, a moral teacher, or something greater? For some, He is even dismissed as a fictional character. To truly honor the season, we must examine this question closely and understand the identity of the One at the heart of Christmas.
Prophet? Many recognize Jesus as a prophet, a messenger sent by God. Indeed, He fulfilled prophetic roles, declaring God’s truth and calling people to repentance. He foretold events, including His own death and resurrection, and spoke of the Kingdom of God with unmatched authority. But is that all He is?
Prophets point to God; they do not claim to be God. Jesus, however, went beyond the role of a prophet. He declared, “I and the Father are one” (John 10:30) and “Before Abraham was, I am” (John 8:58), clearly affirming His divine nature.
Good Moral Teacher? Jesus’ teachings on love, forgiveness, and humility have inspired millions. His call to love one’s enemies, serve others selflessly, and pursue righteousness exemplifies the highest standard of moral living. Yet, to reduce Him to a moral teacher ignores the bold claims He made about Himself.
C.S. Lewis famously wrote, “A man who was merely a man and said the sort of things Jesus said would not be a great moral teacher. He would either be a lunatic—or else He would be the Devil of Hell. You must make your choice.”
Jesus didn’t simply teach good morals; He claimed to be the Way, the Truth, and the Life (John 14:6). His teachings demand a response: to either accept Him as Lord or reject Him entirely.
A Fictional Character? Some dismiss Jesus as a myth, arguing that He is a creation of human imagination. However, historical evidence, both biblical and extra-biblical, confirms His existence. Roman historians like Tacitus and Jewish historians like Josephus documented Jesus’ life and crucifixion.
Moreover, the impact of His life—transforming individuals, shaping cultures, and establishing a global church—stands as a testimony to His reality. A fictional figure could not inspire the kind of devotion and sacrifice that Jesus has commanded for over 2,000 years.
The LORD: The truth of Christmas is this: the child born in Bethlehem is the Lord of all creation. The angel declared to the shepherds, “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:11). Jesus is not just a prophet, a teacher, or a historical figure; He is Emmanuel, “God with us” (Matthew 1:23).
He came to reconcile humanity to God, to bring light into darkness, and to offer eternal life to all who believe in Him. His life, death, and resurrection confirm that He is the Savior, the King of Kings, and the Lord of Lords.
A Personal Response
As we celebrate Christmas, the question remains: Who do you say Jesus is? Is He a figure of history or the Lord of your life? Is He merely an inspiring teacher, or is He the Savior who died for your sins?
Your answer to this question determines how you celebrate the season. If Jesus is Lord, Christmas becomes a time of worship, gratitude, and devotion. Like the shepherds and the Magi, let us bow before Him, recognizing that He is far more than a prophet, a teacher, or a myth. He is the Christ—the Son of the Living God.
"And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High" (Luke 1:31-32).
This Christmas, let us celebrate not just the birth of a child but the coming of the Savior who is Lord over all.
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