What does Christmas mean to you?
Is it a time to commune with a family that you don’t get to see the rest of the year? Is it about the gifts and treats and festive décor? Or is it about getting your yearly work targets cleared in time for that big Christmas bonus?
For some of us, the meaning of Christmas has drifted very far from the actual reason for the season. But if you are ready for a spiritual Christmas this year, you have come to the right place.
The Reason for the Season
“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
Isaiah 9:6
The birth of Jesus Christ was greatly anticipated for centuries. It, therefore, comes as no surprise that it spawned one of the most important yearly celebrations in the Christian calendar.
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Strictly speaking, the 25th of December is technically not Jesus’s birthday. However, a decision was made by religious leaders from all over the world years ago to have this date be the day when we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.
The name “Christmas” was contracted from two Old English words, Cristes Maesse, which translates to “The Mass of Christ.” It was a term used to describe a special church service dedicated to celebrating the birth of Christ and all the hope it brought along with it.
How to Prepare Your Heart for the True Meaning of Christmas
If you are struggling to reconcile the true meaning of Christmas with your life and current circumstances, there is no better source of guidance than the Bible itself.
Let’s take a closer look at what the good book says about the birth of Christ and what this season really stands for.
Hope
“Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.”
Luke 2:11
The people of God had suffered for a long time without a unifying spiritual guide. The birth of Jesus Christ brought new hope for salvation and a relationship with God.
The same applies today as the problems of modern society continue to cloud our judgment. Celebrating the birth of Christ is a great way to renew hope in the fact that there is good and God in the world.
Communion
The three wise men (Matthew 2:1-12) were unwittingly the very first people to celebrate Christmas, and boy did they do it right. Their eagerness to commune to celebrate the savior’s birth is what Christmas is all about for the Christian community.
It is a time to come together and give thanks for the gift that God so generously gave to us all those years ago.
So whether you choose to spend Christmas with family or at church with your congregation, make sure you spend Christmas in communion with someone this year.
Celebration
“Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion! Shout, Daughter Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you…”
Zechariah 9:9
Christmas is a time to celebrate and make merry. After all, it is the season where we welcome our Lord and Savior into the world. What’s more worthy of a celebration than salvation?
So Christmas parties and holiday dinners are actually very much in place during the festive season. Just remember that the biggest reason of all for the celebration is the birth of Jesus Christ.
Redemption
“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.”
Matthew 1:21
Finally, the Bible very clearly reminds us that Christmas is a season of redemption and second chances. Jesus’s birth set in motion a series of events that would lead His believers to become inheritors of eternal life with God the Father.
With this in mind, take the time this season to ask for forgiveness not only from God but from yourself. There is no better time than the close of the year to wipe your slate clean through the grace of God.
It’s All about Jesus
Wherever you will be this Christmas, make sure to take the time to remember that it is all about Jesus Christ and the freedom that his birth brought into our lives as Christians.
Make sure to commune with your fellow Christians, connect with God, and show yourself grace and kindness. With all this done, you will be as ready as you can be for a beautiful and spiritual Christmas.
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