Dear friends,
As we gather to celebrate Christmas, let’s consider the true meaning of the season. Among the many lights, gifts, and carols, there lies a deep and profound memorial—the wonderful birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Let us recall the words in John’s gospel, “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth” (John 1:14). This verse demonstrates the essence of Christmas, the celebration of the incarnation of God’s Word, Jesus, who came to live among us.
The true meaning of Christmas transcends material traditions. It is about the eternal and the spiritual. It is the celebration of God’s incredible act of love, where he sent His Son into the world not to condemn it but to save it (John 3:17). It is a gift of salvation for all, regardless of our past, failures, or imperfections. All we must do is receive it.
Christmas is where we celebrate God’s greatest gift to us. However, as Christians, we are not just to receive the blessings of God but also to give from the blessings God has given to us. Embracing the true meaning of Christmas can transform our lives. True Christmas calls us to live in a way that reflects the gift of grace and truth we have received and extend it to all around us. This could mean offering forgiveness, extending kindness, or simply being a source of joy and comfort. As we exchange gifts this season, let us remember to give generously, not just in the material but also from our time, love, and compassion.
Additionally, the humility of Christ’s birth in a manger teaches us to embrace simplicity and humility in our own lives. God did not grant Himself all earthly comfort, so we, too, should learn to embrace humility. In a world that often values the grandiose and the extravagant, we are invited in the Christmas season to find joy in the simple, the ordinary, and the modest. It’s a call to value people over possessions, relationships over acknowledgment, and spiritual riches over worldly wealth.
Remember, Christmas is not just a day but a season to renew our hearts and lives to the rhythm of God’s grace and love. It’s a time to reflect on the immense love that prompted the Creator of the universe to become part of His creation, to bring us back into a right relationship with Him.
As we celebrate Christmas, let’s cherish the warmth of family and friends, the joy of giving, and the peace of knowing we are loved by a God who spared nothing, not even His own Son, to ensure our redemption. This is the true meaning of Christmas. It was God’s love made manifest through Jesus Christ, offering hope, peace, joy, and love to a world in need. Today, we too are called to be the light bearers of Christmas, to make God’s love visible to those around us in our generation.
So, in this season of splendor and joy, may we find the true meaning of Christmas in all our hearts and homes.
