The True Meaning of Christmas

Many times when we think of Christmas, the first thing that pops into our head is...

Presents!



Santa Claus!



Snow!



A sparkling Christmas tree!

We're less likely to visualize a little baby in a manger underneath a bright, shining star. Less likely to remember the birth of our Saviour.

The historic record of the birth of Christ can be found in Matthew 1:18-25 and Luke 2:1-20. Unlike any other baby, the one born that night in Bethlehem was unique in all of the course of history. He was not created by a human father and mother. He had a heavenly pre-existence (John 1:1-3, 14). He is God, the Son — Creator of the Universe (Philippians 2:5-11). And he came down to Earth in humanly form.

Now let's scratch our heads and wonder: Why would God do such a thing? Why would he come as a baby, instead of immediately appearing in all his power and majesty? Why make himself a true man and live among us, when he already knows full well how terribly he would be treated?

It was LOVE! ♥ It was necessary, if you are to be saved!

Of course, much of the very popularity of Christmas nowadays, especially in the West, is due to the commercial promotion of the holiday. Christmas has become a marketing opportunity to hold Mega-sales and rake in the customers. Coax people into getting into the 'holiday' spirit by buying expensive watches and jewelry for loved ones. People feel that it's not Christmas unless their homes are decorated with Christmas trees, lights and ornaments and there's a delicious smell of roasting turkey wafting from the oven. It's all very well to do this in the cheerful spirit of the season, but do we stress and worry ourselves out so much over all these petty, superficial little details that we fail to see the big picture? The reason why Christmas even exists?

As for the commercialization of Christmas, is that honoring God? Many a time advertisements choose to replace the word 'Christmas' with 'Xmas' or 'Holiday Season' in order to draw attention away from the truth that is Christmas at all. And what will be the price if we sell out our society and souls and forget the one who came to earth to live and die for us?

You see, the real reason for Christmas is to celebrate and remember the birth of God in the flesh, our Messiah, our Saviour - Jesus Christ. He is the true meaning of Christmas! All the values we learn about giving, sharing and loving one another - these are things that we should be doing all year round, not just during a certain season.

These are things that we do because We Love Jesus!

So spend this wonderful season remembering our Christ Saviour's great love to us. The Saviour who was born in a forlorn little manger to show us how humble He was willing to be for us.