Christmas is here! What’s the big deal?
Jesus came to earth long ago and we’ve been celebrating his birthday. It’s fun, it’s festive. But what’s the big deal?
Celebrations of Christmas come in all shapes and sizes. I think that most people enjoy this time of year. And I know it’s hard for others for various reasons. But in the grand scheme of things, why does it really matter? I’ll say this: it matters less how you celebrate and more what you celebrate.
Some celebrate getting lots of gifts.
This is often how many kids approach Christmas. But let’s be honest – who doesn’t like getting gifts? And let’s be a little more honest – sometimes you’re tempted to think of Christmas as an occasion where you get some really great stuff. But this makes Christmas about you. And Christmas is not about you.
Some celebrate giving lots of gifts.
This is certainly better than focusing on getting. Jesus said that it’s better to give than to receive. So some people make it a celebration of giving. And while that is good and noble in some ways, it still makes Christmas about you. And Christmas is not about you.
Others celebrate gathering together with family…
Also: food, parties, decorating, and traditions. These things are good, too, but if this is what you celebrate at Christmas, it’s still making Christmas about you (or at least your family). And Christmas is not about you or your family.
The True Meaning of Christmas
So many Christmas movies and TV specials set the premise in searching for the True Meaning of Christmas. I’m only aware of one popular production that actually got it right: Peanuts. Yeah – Charlie Brown, Lucy, Linus, Snoopy. Those guys. Linus tells us that Christmas is about Jesus. Check it out here if you don’t remember.
Jesus has come to earth as a humble baby, born of the virgin Mary. That’s where the Christmas story begins, not where it ends, though. He lived a perfect life, taught his disciples and followers, and brought healing to the blind and the lame. And though he was innocent, he was crucified on a cross for us. He rose again. And he’s coming back!
So you can celebrate with gifts, family, food, parties, decorating, and traditions. You can also celebrate without gifts. Without family. Without the food, parties, decorating, or traditions. But in whatever you do, celebrate that Jesus, the Son of God, humbly came to earth and that Jesus has made a way so that when he comes again, we dwell with him forever because of the forgiveness found at the cross.
Merry Christmas to you.