One of the most moving contemporary Christmas songs that resonates deeply within families is “I Celebrate the Day” by Relient K. If you haven’t yet experienced this song, now is the perfect time to discover its powerful message.
It’s a truly beautiful song filled with profound sentiment. The chorus poignantly states:
I celebrate the day
That you were born to die
So I could one day
Pray for you to save my life.
This simple yet powerful declaration encapsulates the heart of Christmas. Every time these words are heard, they leave a lasting impact, revealing the true depth of the Christmas celebration.
“I Celebrate the Day”: A Chorus of Joyful Recognition
Christmas is inherently a celebration, a time of joy and festivity. Even at the very first Christmas, the heavens echoed with celebratory songs. When Christ was born two millennia ago, the angels themselves erupted in joyous worship. The Gospel of Luke recounts a breathtaking scene where a multitude of angels appeared above the hills of Bethlehem. For shepherds watching over their flocks that night, the angelic appearance was an awe-inspiring awakening.
“Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”” Luke 2:13–14
These celestial beings, overcome with joy at the birth of Jesus, broke out in song. We, too, should embrace this spirit of celebration. But what exactly are we celebrating when we Celebrate Song at Christmas?
“Born to Die”: Understanding Christ’s Purpose
The very reason for Christ’s incarnation, His coming into human form, was ultimately His death. He lived a perfect, sinless life on earth, specifically so that He could offer Himself as a sacrifice in our place. The prophets of the Old Testament foretold this very purpose of Christ’s arrival. Consider the powerful words of Isaiah:
“He grew up before him like a tender shoot, and like a root out of dry ground. He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him.
But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.” Isaiah 53:2,5
Christ’s life was not one of worldly grandeur. He was not born into riches or royalty, but into humble circumstances. He grew up in a small town, engaged in ordinary work. Yet, His ultimate mission was far greater: to be “pierced for our transgressions,” “crushed for our iniquities.” It is through this sacrifice that healing and peace become possible for us.
“Pray for You to Save My Life”: Embracing Salvation
Jesus was fully aware of His mission. This understanding is profoundly humbling. As fully God, He knew the divine plan, yet as fully man, He willingly endured it. Isaiah further illuminates this:
“Yet it was the Lord’s will to crush him and cause him to suffer, and though the Lord makes his life an offering for sin, he will see his offspring and prolong his days, and the will of the Lord will prosper in his hand. After he has suffered, he will see the light of life and be satisfied; by his knowledge my righteous servant will justify many, and he will bear their iniquities.” Isaiah 53:10–11
It was God’s divine will for Jesus to die on the cross, and equally God’s will for Him to rise again, conquering death. Christ’s sacrifice was complete and sufficient to make us righteous in God’s eyes.
Imagine this: Jesus, after enduring the horrific and humiliating death on the cross, bearing the weight of the world’s sins, and rising again after three days, ascends to Heaven. There, at the Father’s right hand, in victory, He declares, “It is finished.”
And He endured all of this so that each of us, thousands of years later, could believe in Him and be declared righteous.
Therefore, we wholeheartedly celebrate song and the day Christ was born, understanding that His birth was intrinsically linked to His saving death, allowing us to pray for and receive the gift of eternal life. This Christmas, let the true meaning of “I Celebrate the Day” resonate deeply as we celebrate the birth and purpose of Jesus Christ.
Alt text: Rob Trahan, web developer at Hope Media Group, article author, smiling in a headshot.
