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The
Meaning of Christmas
For many of us, Christmas is one of our favorite
times of the year. It is nice to get a break from our normal routines and
to spend time with our family and friends. Many families have special
Christmas customs and traditions, involving decorations, meals, songs, and
the exchanging of gifts with loved ones. All of these things are very
nice, but is this the true meaning of Christmas? It seems that every year the stores put up
their Christmas displays earlier and earlier, and that each year there is
increasing pressure to buy more and more expensive gifts. There also seems
to be a competition to see who can put up the largest and most elaborate
display of decorations. With all of these things, it is very easy to lose
sight of the true meaning of Christmas. But as we strip away the layers of glitter,
commercialism, and tradition that surround the celebration of Christmas,
the holiday's true meaning becomes easier to see. Here we can see a star
that reminds us of the star that the wise men followed two thousand years
ago while seeking the newborn King. Who is this King? As the angels said
to the shepherds, "Unto you is born this day in the city of David a
Saviour, which is Christ the Lord" (Luke
2:11). Christmas is the day that
we celebrate the birth of the Christ--Jesus the Son of God. What was the reason that Jesus left his home in
heaven to come to this world? Was it simply to do good works, or to leave
an example for us to follow? No, "Christ Jesus came into the world to save
sinners" (1
Timothy 1:15). He came to deal once and
for all with the problem of sin that separates every one of us from God.
"But I'm not a sinner!" you might say. Have you ever lied? Have you ever
had an impure thought? God's Word is very true when it says, "All have
sinned, and come short of the glory of God" (Romans
3:23). Yes, we are all sinners, and if judged on
our own merits, would all come short of heaven. Sadly, many people don't
realize that "Every one of us shall give account of himself to God" and
that "He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that
believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on
him" (Romans
14:12; John 3:36). But here is where the
distractions of the holiday disappear completely and the true meaning of
Christmas becomes clear to see. Christmas is all about God's great love
for us and the priceless gift that He offers to all. This gift, the gift of eternal life (Romans
6:23), was purchased when Jesus, the
sinless Sacrifice, died on the cross for our sins. Now He is risen from
the dead and offers eternal life to everyone who will confess their sins
to Him and trust Him as their Saviour. "For God so loved the world, that
He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not
perish, but have everlasting life" (John
3:16). If you have never made Jesus
your Saviour, do it now. Then you can celebrate the true meaning of
Christmas!
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