The Meaning of Christmas

by Henry Mclaughlin @RiverBendSagas

It’s that time of year when I think many of us ponder questions like:

• “What’s it all about?”

• “Why do we do all this decorating and buying and cooking?”

• “Why do we put up with relatives and others we wouldn’t spend a minute with at any other time of year?”

Especially after more than two years of all this Covid junk, of violence in the streets, of the very foundations of our nation and our freedoms attacked, of elections that are part Three Stooges bungling and a major exhibit of fraud, cheating, and stealing.

Where is the moral integrity of our governmental leaders—at every level and in every branch of government and in both parties?

So this is a time to really study the meaning of Christmas, to see the season in a new perspective. A time to listen to teachers like Pastor Robert Morris who give new insights into what Christmas means and to study books such as Because of Bethlehem by Max Lucado.

I’ve long been jaded by the commercialism of Christmas. Over the years, my family’s traditions have evolved, focusing on family more than spending, taking part in celebrations and events at our church. In all this, we’re striving to honor the reason for the season.

But all too often, I think we lose sight of Jesus in another way. At Christmas, we see him as the infant in the manger. Images of our own experience with babies filter and distort our view of Jesus. We remember the funny faces, the first smiles, the coos, the eyes wide in wonder and study.

We forget Jesus’ uniqueness. He’s the only person ever born who knew he was going to die a horrible death and when it would happen. And he did it anyway, because he knew why he did it. For me and for you. He loves that much.

Jesus, our God, became human so he could die for me personally. And for you as well. For every person on this Earth.

Easter begins at Christmas. A straight line connects the two. Jesus came at Christmas so Easter could happen, so we could all be saved.

Jesus, our God, came so you and I could be redeemed and enjoy eternal life with him. And he came so we could have a personal relationship with him every day. He really wants us to be in his presence every day.

Christmas isn’t about gifts. It’s about celebrating the Gift no one else can give—the gift of Jesus. We remember he loves us. We walk in faith that he walks with us through this frequently crazy and chaotic life. 

Christmas is about anticipating the joy that awaits us in eternity.

I wish you all a joyous Christmas and a freshening in your hearts of why Jesus came.

Merry Christmas!

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The Meaning of Christmas from author Henry Mclaughlin @RiverBendSagas on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)

Henry’s debut novel, Journey to Riverbend, won the 2009 Operation First Novel contest.

Henry edits novels, leads critique groups, and teaches at conferences and workshops. He enjoys mentoring and coaching individual writers.

Connect with Henry on his BLOG, TWITTER and FACEBOOK.