Why Welcome Jesus at Christmas?

At Christmas, we celebrate the birth of Jesus, the Newborn King. Every year, we sing carols like “Joy to the World,” declaring, “Let earth receive her King.” But what does it mean when we’re Welcoming the Newborn King, and why is it so important to receive Him today?

These questions are often unspoken but present in the hearts of those attending Christmas services and gatherings. As believers, we have an opportunity to answer these questions clearly and compassionately.

Jesus’ words to His disciples in Luke 24 provide us with a crucial understanding of why welcoming Him, the Newborn King, matters:

“Then he said to them, ‘These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled.’ Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures, and said to them, ‘Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, and that repentance for the forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things.’” (Luke 24:44-48, ESV)

Why Welcoming the Newborn King Matters

The people of Israel had waited for centuries for the Messiah. When Jesus came, He fulfilled every prophecy written in the Law, the Prophets, and the Psalms.

Every Christmas, we remember their longing and their joy as the Word became flesh (John 1:14). By welcoming the Newborn King into our hearts and homes, we connect with the miraculous arrival of the promised Messiah. But welcoming Him isn’t enough—we also need to receive Him.

Why Receiving the Newborn King Changes Everything

At the time of Jesus’ birth, the world desperately needed a Saviour. Some—like the Magi—actively sought Him. Others rejected Him outright, even when presented with undeniable truth.

Even though He arrived as a baby, the mission of Jesus was clear all along: to suffer, die, and rise again to redeem humanity.

He declared, “…repentance for the forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations” (Luke 24:47, ESV).

We still need Jesus today. Every person struggles with sin, which separates us from a holy God. Through Jesus’ sacrifice, we can be forgiven and made new. His resurrection conquers death and offers eternal life to all who receive Him.

The Gift of Welcoming the Newborn King

Receiving Jesus means surrendering our lives to Him. When we welcome the Newborn King, we embrace His forgiveness and receive the priceless gift of eternal life.

“Thanks be to God for his inexpressible gift!” (2 Corinthians 9:15, ESV)

As we prepare for Christmas this year, let’s reflect on what it truly means to welcome and receive the Newborn King. May His love and grace fill your heart this season.

Join the Conversation; Share Your Thoughts

• How can we explain the significance of Christ’s birth in a way that resonates with today’s culture?
• What does it mean to you personally to receive Jesus at Christmas?
• How can we invite others to welcome the Newborn King without pressuring them?