On Christmas Day, we celebrate the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. This day marks the beginning of God’s plan of redemption through his Son, who was sent to bring salvation to all who believe. As we reflect on the birth of Christ, it is meaningful to consider the word “fruit” in a spiritual sense, especially in light of Scripture.
In John 15:5, Jesus declares, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” In this passage, Jesus speaks of himself as the vine and believers as the branches. The fruit he refers to is the fruit of the Spirit—the tangible evidence of God’s presence in our lives. Just as a branch cannot bear fruit without being connected to the vine, we too cannot produce the fruits of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control apart from Christ. The birth of Jesus is the first act of God’s redemptive work, and it sets in motion the possibility for all believers to bear fruit by staying connected to him.
As we reflect on Christ’s birth, we are reminded that his life exemplified the very fruit of the Spirit that he calls us to bear. Galatians 5:22-23 says, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” The fruit of the Spirit is the natural result of a life transformed by Christ. These virtues reflect the nature of Christ himself. On Christmas, we are reminded that Jesus came into the world to display God’s love and grace. As we celebrate his birth, we are invited to reflect on how his presence in our lives shapes us to bear fruit that mirrors his character.
Through his birth, Jesus became the ultimate example of love and joy. His life showed us what it means to be patient and kind, to be gentle and self-controlled. The fruit of the Spirit reflects a life that is rooted in him, and it is through his birth and presence in our lives that we begin to bear fruit.
The fruit of Jesus’ birth is also expressed in the joy of those who encounter him. In Luke 1:42-45, Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, exclaims, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her.” Elizabeth recognizes the fruit of Mary’s womb—Jesus—the promised Messiah. The joy of his coming is so evident that even John the Baptist, still in Elizabeth’s womb, leaps with joy. The birth of Jesus is the ultimate fruit of God’s promise, the long-awaited Savior who brings joy and salvation to the world. As we celebrate his birth today, we too are invited to rejoice in the fulfillment of God’s promises.
As we reflect on these Scriptures and the significance of the word “fruit,” we can ask ourselves several questions:
What “fruit” has Christ produced in your life this year?
As you reflect on your own spiritual growth, how have you seen the fruits of the Spirit developing within you? Do you see evidence of love, peace, patience, and kindness in your thoughts, words, and actions?
How can you stay connected to the “vine” this year?
Just as the branch depends on the vine for nourishment, how can you deepen your relationship with Jesus Christ in the coming year? What practices (prayer, Scripture reading, fellowship) can help you remain close to him?
What does it mean for you to “bear fruit” as a believer in Jesus Christ?
Bearing fruit involves being a witness to God’s love in the world. In what ways can you share the joy and peace of Christmas with others? How can you show kindness, offer hope, and serve others in the name of Christ?
Are there areas in your life where you feel “fruitless” or disconnected from Christ?
In what areas do you feel a lack of spiritual fruit? Are there struggles or doubts that keep you from fully living out the fruit of the Spirit? Take time to bring those areas before God, asking him to restore and strengthen you.
How does the birth of Jesus encourage you to live a life of fruitfulness?
The birth of Jesus is a reminder that God’s promises are always fulfilled. As you reflect on the joy and hope of Christmas, how does it inspire you to live with purpose and produce fruit that glorifies God?
May this Christmas Day be a reminder of the fruitfulness that comes from being in Christ, and may his love inspire you to bear good fruit in the year ahead.
Thank you for allowing me to journey with you this past Advent. I have truly enjoyed sharing this time with you in a reflective and meaningful way. May you and those you love have a joy-filled Christmas season and a healthy 2025.
Inner Altar 