The Meaning of Christmas

For unto you is

born this day

in the city of David

a Saviour…

which is Christ the Lord

Luke 2:11

Tonight I’m pressing pause on all the holiday craziness and writing to remind myself why it’s really the most wonderful time of the year: it’s the celebration of the birth of the Savior of our world.

Is there any better reason to celebrate?

Sunday night is a good time to just slow down and be aware of Him. Take a moment from your endless list of things to do and presents to buy, and you’ll find Him right there waiting for you. You’re the reason He came here. And He wants you to know you are so unbelievably worth the ultimate sacrifice He gave. God sent his only son to this earth in the form of a servant as part of his plan for us to receive the gift of grace and forgiveness.

“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. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” John 3:16-17

I’m praying for a thankful and open heart this Christmas. To turn my eyes away from myself and remember that He is the reason that we give to each other and how we really know what true love is. It’s not our own good works that get us through the gates of Heaven, but the sacrifice that was made for anyone who believes. December 25th signifies the birth of a King and the redemption of mankind – the one who brought hope, joy, and the promise of eternal life.

Christmas is all about pure, unconditional, and self-denying love. The kind of love our God showed by giving up his only son so that we could have everlasting life. The love Jesus showed us throughout his life and ministry on earth. We try to reflect our love for Him by our acts of service for others – especially this time of the year. I constantly fail at this every single day. I worry about my own problems way too much. I don’t help others as much as I should. And I get way too caught up in the unfulfilling lies of this world.

At some point, there’s an emptiness to the pursuit of having everything we want. There’s a different kind of joy that’s found in in sharing with those in need and having compassion for others. Be a little more patient in the grocery store or in traffic. Forgive someone. Call friends you’ve lost touch with. Be appreciative. Keep your promises. Bake something for someone else.  Really listen next time someone needs to vent instead of giving your opinion. Apologize if you’re wrong. Start a conversation instead of sitting next to a stranger in silence. Make Christmas one long, extended gift of ourselves to others.

We all have people in our lives who remind us of this Christ-like love, giving, and compassion. One person in my life that comes to mind is my mom’s mom – my sweet Granny! Aside from raising her own 7 children, she’s fostered 20 other children, in her 76 years of life – TWENTY! She’s loving, kind, and so so giving. She took in 13 newborn babies who’s mothers were deciding whether to keep them or give them up for adoption. She’d take in teenage orphans who had no family of their own. Just as Jesus was sent to us as an example of love and compassion, we were called to be an example to one another. “As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you” (John 20:21). Who shows you this type of unconditional love? Make sure they know how much you appreciate it. Show the love that has been shown to us this Christmas.

“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given. And his name shall be called…Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6)

Merry Christmas, love you all!

(Two beautiful women I am so thankful for – my mom and granny <3)