The Meaning of Christmas

City sidewalks,

Busy sidewalks.

Dressed in holiday style.

In the air there's a feeling of Christmas
Children laughing, people passing.

Meeting smiles after smile.

And on every street corner you'll hear

Silver bells, silver bells.

It's Christmas time in the city.

Ring-a-ling, hear them ring
Soon it will be Christmas day

Christmas is joy and laughter and gift giving and happy and music and nativity scenes and family and Jesus and peace on earth.  Christmas brings out the best in others and is a time when more are charitable to those who are in need.  Christmas is Silent Night, and O Come all Ye Faithful, and O Little Town of Bethlehem.  Christmas is eggnog, trees, lights, presents, and cantatas.  Christmas is Rudolf, Jingle Bells, Frosty, and Here Comes Santa Clause. 

Christmas has different meanings from one person to the next.  Some say it is the best time of the year, while others will say it is too commercialized and a money making holiday.  Still, others will say it is a time of peace and goodwill to all men.  In reality, Christmas is what you make it out to be.  For billions around the world, Christmas is a celebration of Jesus’ birth.  It is a time to be grateful for the gift God has given all of us. Luke 2: 10 & 11 says, “…I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people.  The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! (NLT)  Matthew 1:21 says, “She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” (NIV)

For God, the birth of Jesus was good news and great joy and salvation.  Jesus’ birth was not a gimmick to boost retail sales nor send letters to a make believe person we call Santa.  The birth of Jesus was the event that bridged the gap between God and all of his children and made way for the world to once again live in hope. 

It is tragic to take a wonderful time of the year and make it about what we want, rather than be thankful for what God has already given.  We live in a society that cares more about Ipods, Play Stations, New Cars, and the number of gifts we get rather than remembering the very reason the Christmas day celebration was started in the first place.   What if we really meant the hymn we sing, “All to Jesus I Surrender” and lived out the lyrics that says, “All to Jesus I surrender, All to Him I freely give; I will ever love and trust Him, In His presence daily live.”  How would the early morning of Christmas day be played out if we believed, “All to Jesus I surrender, all to him I freely give?  Would our kids be up bright and early?  Would there be wrapping paper thrown everywhere?  Would there be as much joy on Christmas day if there were no presents for anyone but Jesus? 

“In the air there’s a feeling of Christmas” Children laughing, people passing, meeting smiles after smile.”  The feeling of Christmas is a reminder of God’s gift of salvation and the ability to live life with hope and to know there is a limitless supply of love and to experience forgiveness that keeps on forgiving. 

Is it possible that gift giving isn’t in the form of a wrapped present or gift cards, rather it is forgiving someone where grudges have been held for years and years?  Jesus said, “If you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.”   It is “loving your neighbor as yourself”  Matthew 22:39.  It is giving a thirsty person water and a naked man clothing and a hungry child food and a jailed lady your time, Matthew 25. 

Is it possible that Christmas could be 365 days a year for a lifetime?  Is it possible that a community that celebrates Jesus everyday would be a place where children are laughing and people passing, meeting smile after smile? 

What will you do with Christmas this year and how long will it last?

Remember, Be God Controlled!

Brian