It’s that time of year when Christians all over the world celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, the saviour of mankind. This is celebrated in many ways, with some, truly deviating from the true essence of it. In these parts, the true meaning of Christmas has been turned on its head, such that the younger generation are at risk of not knowing what it is all about at all.
A definition of the true meaning of Christmas found in The American Magazine, volume 28 from 1889, describes it thus: ‘To give up one’s very self — to think only of others — how to bring the greatest happiness to others — that is the true meaning of Christmas’.
The true meaning of Christmas is love. John 3:16-17 says, ‘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.’
The true meaning of Christmas is the celebration of this incredible act of love.
The real Christmas story is the story of God becoming a human being in the Person of Jesus Christ. Why did God do such a thing? Because He loves us! Why was Christmas necessary? Because we needed a Saviour! Why does God love us so much? Because He is love itself (1 John 4:8). Why do we celebrate Christmas each year? Out of gratitude for what God did for us, we remember His Birth by giving each other gifts, worshipping Him, and being especially conscious of the poor and less fortunate.
God loved His own and provided a way — the only Way — for us to spend eternity with Him. He gave His only Son to take our punishment for our sins. He paid the price in full, and we are free from condemnation when we accept that free gift of love.
‘But God demonstrated His own love for us in this: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us’ (Romans 5:8).
With this in mind, Christmas can be a season of great joy. It is a time of God showing His great love for us. It can be a time of healing and renewed strength. Sure, enjoy the season but remember to rejoice as well! After all, the true meaning of Christmas is the celebration of God’s ultimate gift: the birth of Jesus, the Christ Child.
We can show this love by ensuring, for example, that those around us are also happy. It will indeed, be preposterous for anyone to be taking titles when his neighbour has nothing to eat. That will be a most cruel way to mark the Birth of Christ.
There are many ways we can extend God’s love to those around us and we should not hesitate to do so. Christmas goes beyond flaunting wealth and riches and throwing parties. It must include spreading joy to all, especially the poor. The many poor people we make happy should form the basis of our Christmas celebration.
We pray and hope that we do not miss the true essence of Christmas as we come together this period. Happy Christmas to all of us.
