The Real Meaning of Christmas
Hello Family, Okay, so What is The Real Meaning of Christmas?
As I get older, I realize that there’s more to it than presents. Every now and then there will be a movie or news story on television about some truly generous giver. And with that, there’s a reminder of a better perspective on the holidays; that it is as Jesus said, “More blessed to give than to receive.”
So then, the real meaning of Christmas is giving, right? Well actually, no!
For many, Christmas is either merry or depressing because of how many good presents they are able to give. And for some, because their financial situation makes it very difficult to give, they have come to hate the Christmas holidays because of all the giving. Whether your focus is on getting presents or on giving presents – either way, the true meaning of Christmas is NOT about the presents.
So, if the true meaning of Christmas is not about giving or receiving presents, then what?
The true meaning of Christmas is love. God loved His own and provided a way—the only way—for us to spend eternity with Him. He gave His only Son to take our punishment for our sins. He paid the price in full, and we are free from condemnation when we accept that free gift of love. "But God demonstrated His own love for us in this: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8).
As much as I feel the importance of loved ones at this moment (and will be reminded of it every Christmas for the rest of my life), no, that’s not the real meaning of Christmas. There are people all over the world who love their friends and family, but who do not celebrate Christmas.
Okay, so what is the real meaning of Christmas? The real meaning of Christmas is something even higher, bigger, and infinitely better than all of that. Christmas is about totally pure, unconditional, irrepressible, inconceivably awesome, self-denying TRUE LOVE.
John, Disciple of Jesus, wrote: For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16) So in this season amid the hustle and bustle as believers let's remember that it's not about what we can give but rather what Christ has given to us -- Love and Life!
Merry Christmas, Family!
-Pastor Jesse