What I Believe is the True Meaning of Christmas
Why Christmas Matters
December 22, 2017
It’s pretty obvious when it’s Christmas time. Shopping centers are full of red and green decorations, as Christmas music plays everywhere. Stores are advertising for their holiday sales, and people are rushing to buy enough presents. To some people, this is what Christmas is. It means buying decorations and sending money down the drain. It’s easy to feel like that’s what it’s all about when most of the time people say “Happy Holidays” rather than “Merry Christmas”. There’s nothing wrong with the gifts, the decorations, or stores making money off of Christmas, but the true meaning is something that money can’t buy. For many people, the true meaning of Christmas is found in their beliefs that Christmas is a celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ.
“31 You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.” These were the Archangel Gabriel’s words when he spoke to Mary, a virgin, who was to become the mother of Jesus. Mary could have become, or doubted, but she didn’t. Instead, she answered by saying: “I am the Lord’s servant. May your word to me be fulfilled.”
Mary soon bore a son, and named him Jesus, just as the angel had instructed. Jesus was, and still is, the son of God, and was crucified so that humanity has a shot at eternal life. During his death, he went down to the gates of hell where everyone who had ever lived had been sent after death. He freed the people and let them into Heaven. He rose on the third day according to the scriptures and ascended into the heavens so that people today have a chance to live an eternal life. These events are celebrated at Easter, but Christmas is the celebration of Jesus’s life.
According to St. John 3:16, “For God so loved the world, that He sent his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish, but have eternal life.”
In Jesus’s time on earth, he performed many miracles and saved numerous people. He also told parables, which were relatable stories that people could understand and learn from. It all started with his birth, which is something to celebrate.
Christmas is about giving because Jesus gave to the world. By giving gifts to others, a person is being a Christ-like example to others. This is why many organizations such as Operation Christmas Child and Toys for Tots exist. These organizations want to give to people who are less fortunate, just as God gave to them.
The truth is, there’s nothing wrong with lights, decorations, and shopping at Christmas time. In fact, it’s a good thing to be festive and have fun. However, it all means something and has a purpose when one remembers the true meaning of Christmas.
