Every year, Christmas rolls around with its usual fanfare: twinkling lights, jingle bells, peppermint mochas, and of course, the annual question of what exactly is Aunt Edna allergic to again? While these traditions are great, they can sometimes overshadow the deeper meaning of Christmas. So let’s strip away the tinsel, and get to the heart of it: Christmas is about the ultimate gift—the birth of Jesus as our Savior.
The Real Reason for the Season
In Luke 2:10-11, the angel announces to the shepherds:
“Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is the Messiah, the Lord.”
Christmas is the story of how God didn’t just hang out in the comfort of heaven but stepped into our messy, chaotic world. Jesus came to save us from sin, restore our relationship with God, and bring hope to a weary world. Spoiler alert: this is way more important than whether or not your Amazon packages arrive on time.
John 3:16 sums it up: 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.
God didn’t just send a card or a gift basket; He sent His Son. Jesus is the ultimate gift—better than the sweater you’ll get from your grandma (even if it has sequins).
So, What Does Christmas Mean for Us?
It’s easy to nod along and say, “Yes I know, Christmas is about Jesus,” but what does that look like in your daily life? Here are three practical applications to help you live out the true meaning of Christmas this season:
1. Celebrate with Purpose
Christmas isn’t just a time to throw a great party (although those can be fun). It’s a chance to reflect on God’s gift to us and share that joy with others. Start a tradition of reading the Christmas story as a family (Luke 2:1-20 is a great place to start). Or maybe pause before tearing into the presents to thank God for the gift of His Son.
Most definitely enjoy those festivities! Jesus didn’t come so we’d be miserable; He came so we’d have joy. Go ahead and eat that extra Christmas cookie, but let your joy come from something deeper than frosting. And that’s saying something! I’ve seen how much frosting some of you blob on your cookies.
2. Be a Giver, Not Just a Getter
God gave us His best in Jesus. Following His example means shifting our focus from what we want to how we can bless others.
This doesn’t have to mean maxing out your credit card. It could look like giving your time, lending a listening ear, or even forgiving someone who’s hurt you. After all, Jesus didn’t wait for us to deserve His gift before giving it.
Acts 20:35 reminds us: It is more blessed to give than to receive.
3. Shine Jesus’ Light even in the Chaos
Ok let’s face it—Christmas can bring out the best and worst in people. (If you’ve ever been elbowed in a Black Friday sale, you know what I mean.) Followers of Jesus are called to be light in the darkness and the chaos.
What if you used the long checkout line as a chance to show patience? Or reached out to someone who’s lonely this season? Even a simple “Merry Christmas” with a smile can point someone to the joy of Jesus.
Matthew 5:16 says: Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
Don’t let the busyness of the season snuff out the light of Christ in you.
Keeping Christ in Christmas
In the end, the true meaning of Christmas isn’t found in perfect decorations, one of those Pinterest-worthy dinners, or even the Hallmark Channel’s latest movie marathon. It’s found in the humble birth of Jesus—a Savior who came for you and me.
So this Christmas, just keep it simple. Celebrate Jesus with joy. Give like He gave. Shine His light wherever you go. And if your turkey burns or the kids knock over the tree? Laugh it off and remember: the first Christmas happened in a stable.
Now that’s a reminder to keep things in perspective.
Merry Christmas!
Ah yes. Waiting in line. It was through your preaching when we first ended up at Living Word that enabled God to show me that impatience while waiting was actually pride. Impatience sort of indicates we think our time is more important that someone else’s. Not so as God suggested to me. Pride and arrogance go hand in hand. I’ve prayed much over those two things in my life along with being nice to the reps who speak with a very thick accent! God help me with that one.