What Is The True Meaning of Christmas? (by Brittany Rust)

Christmas truly is one of the most wonderful times of the year.  For many, there are warm parties, cozy homes, fond traditions to celebrate, and gifts to be shared.  It’s a joyous time of celebration.  However, sometimes we get lost in the season and forget the reason we celebrate it to begin with.  Among the hustle and bustle, our focus is lost and priorities are misaligned.

Most people can tell you the origins of Christmas – that it’s a remembrance of the birth of Christ.  But either that’s the extent of their knowledge or they lost sight of this in the busyness of the holiday.  Why do we truly celebrate Christmas?  Not Santa Claus, or the Christmas tree, or any other of the various traditions wrapped up into Christmas.  Why do we celebrate this occasion – what is the true meaning?

The Birth of Jesus and Meaning of Christmas

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.  Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore.  The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.”  Isaiah 9:6-7 

For thousands of years mankind waited for the coming of Christ; they longed for their King to arrive and free them from oppression.  The Old Testament is full of prophecies, including this one from Isaiah 9.  The Bible is full of Scripture pointing directly to the One who would save mankind from their sins.  When Isaiah described His coming, he described His coming as an infant.  But this child would grow and establish a Kingdom of righteousness forevermore.  When we celebrate Christmas, we are celebrating the moment in history when prophecy was fulfilled.  God came to be with us.

This very act of humility and his choice to die on the cross is cause for bowed knees and lifted hands.  I know the busyness of the season can cause time to fly and before we know it, the holiday has passed and we have forgotten to celebrate why we are celebrating it in the first place.  But don’t get sidetracked – get perspective.  Choose reverence and give honor where honor is due.

Take time this holiday season to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas by glorifying the One who gave it all.  A child was born in humble circumstances and his sacrificial death reflected the same; however, both were significant for humanity.  Without the death of Christ, salvation isn’t possible.  So, without His birth, neither is it possible.  Jesus coming to Earth that night changed everything and it’s a moment we should celebrate with all our hearts. Certainly, enjoy the parties and food and gifts, but don’t forget to point your heart, family, and those around you to Christmas’ true meaning:  Christ came with a plan for our redemption.