The True Meaning of Christmas

Christmas has always been a very special and important time to me.  It’s a time to spend with family and those you love the most.  Over the years, my faith has grown stronger – to the point that I have seriously stretched my comfort zone of old.  And yet it is so easy to get stuck in the old patterns of what Christmas is – the lights, the tree, the presents, that one special person who you hope will treat you extra special at Christmas, parties and time with family and friends.  This year I was also aware of how painful this time of year can be for so many. 

I have people around me who are alone, essentially with no family close by; people who lost loved ones – a couple of friends who lost a parent and one who lost a husband; I have a friend going through divorce;  and a friend who went through surgery just before Christmas.  I have also been through my own trials recently.  All of it had me take a look at what Christmas really means to me.

I have certainly been alone more than once, although I am very grateful that have never been without friends and people who care about me to share the holidays with.  But this year I was looking at things in a different light. This year I asked myself, what if I was alone with no gifts, no tree, no one special person to share it with?  What would Christmas be?

I thank God the answer came to me easily.  Christmas is not about any of those things.  It is about the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. It is about the ultimate gift God gave to us by coming to this earth in the form of a baby.  It is about how He took human form and faced every temptation that we face, yet did not sin.  It is about a life created for one purpose –  For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only son that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.  John 3:16

In the world you have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer! For Jesus has overcome the world. John 16:33

Life brings pain and disappointment.  There are also many wonderful experiences of blessings, surprises and friendship.  All of it is temporary and short-lived.  I am forever grateful for the ultimate gift of salvation that Christmas is really about.  And that gift never wears out.  Praise God!

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