DAY 4 | From Manger to Mission | More Than a Holiday: When Christmas Becomes Personal

It is the Christmas season, and we are drawing closer to 25th December —a time when much of the world pauses, reflects, and turns its attention to the meaning of this sacred celebration.

As Christians, we must use this time, as with every day, to spread the Good News of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. 

For this particular time, we can certainly preach or teach that Christmas did not end at the manger, rather, it started there. 

Too often, we freeze the story at the birth and forget that the baby in the straw grew into a man on a mission. That gives me life!

Luke 2:7 (NKJV) tells us, “She brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger.” That moment was tender, humble, and holy—but it was never the destination. It was the doorway.

Even as a child, Jesus was already oriented toward purpose. Luke 2:49 (NIV) records His words at twelve years old: “Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?” The manger pointed forward to the mission. From the beginning, Jesus was aware that His life was not His own—He was sent.

Christmas reminds us that God did not come merely to be admired, but to serve. Philippians 2:6–7 (NIV) says that Jesus, “being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to His own advantage; rather, He made Himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant.” 

The incarnation was not about status—it was about surrender. Why? Because love that stays sentimental never becomes transformational.

Throughout His ministry, Jesus consistently reached beyond Himself to serve others.

Luke 4:18 (NIV) captures His mission clearly: “The Spirit of the Lord is on Me, because He has anointed Me to proclaim good news to the poor… to proclaim freedom for the captives and recovery of sight for the blind.” Christmas was never meant to be contained in a moment; it was meant to flow into movement.

Real life often prefers to keep Christmas comfortable. It is a season focused on a particular day that, historically speaking, we are not entirely certain was the exact day of Jesus’ birth.

We enjoy the warmth, the music, the familiarity—the food, the trek back home, family coming to visit, and the celebrations.

But Jesus disrupts comfort. Mark 10:45 (NIV) reminds us, “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.” Mission costs something. It always does. But it also gives life meaning beyond the celebration.

The shepherds model this transition well. After encountering Jesus, Luke 2:17 (NIV) tells us, “When they had seen Him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child.” 

They did not stay at the manger. They carried what they encountered into the world around them. Encounter led to assignment. And Family, this is where Christmas becomes personal. 

At some point, we must recognize that Christmas does not just invite reflection—it requires response. John 20:21 (NIV) records Jesus saying, “As the Father has sent Me, I am sending you.” The same love that came to us is meant to move through us.

Mission does not always look dramatic. Sometimes it looks like obedience in ordinary spaces. Colossians 3:23 (NIV) says, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord.” 

Many of us are on the mission field every day. In our homes, at our jobs, when we go to the supermarket or gas station. We know that mission can look like integrity at work, patience in relationships, compassion toward those who are difficult, and faithfulness when no one is watching.

Jesus Himself framed it plainly. Matthew 5:16 (NIV) says, “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” 

What this means is that what God gave at Christmas in the person of Jesus, was never meant to be kept to ourselves. It was meant to change how we live and how we treat others. That’s food for thought and action. Because when Christmas truly changes us, it doesn’t just inspire us—it shapes how we live, what we surrender, and whom we follow.

Family, the manger also points to the cross. Jesus was born to give Himself. Luke 9:23 (NIV) reminds us of His call: “Whoever wants to be My disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow Me.” 

Following Jesus is not seasonal. It is daily. Christmas is not an event we observe—it is a life we embody.

This raises a necessary reflection: What does Christmas require of me beyond celebration? Micah 6:8 (NIV) answers simply: “What does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” 

Mission, Family, flows from relationship, not obligation. We don’t serve God to earn His love; we serve God because we have already encountered His love. Glory to God.

From manger to mission, Christmas tells us that God came close not just to save us, but to send us. Love does not stop at receiving—it continues in giving. 

And when Christmas becomes personal, it always becomes purposeful. Let’s walk in our purpose today and always, Family. 

And what is our purpose? Our purpose is to glorify God by living out the life of Christ—loving God, loving people, and reflecting His light through obedience and good works.

As Scripture puts it, “We are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them” (Ephesians 2:10, NKJV).