What Is The True Meaning Of Christmas?

What is the true meaning of Christmas? Ask random people on the street, and you’ll probably get at least a dozen different answers. Some might say: “Christmas is about giving.” “Christmas is about family and loved ones.” “Christmas is about being kind to strangers.” “Christmas is a church holiday.” “Christmas is about Jesus.” And all of these answers would be correct.

Christmas Is About Giving

John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” (ESV) Christmas commemorates the birth of Jesus, the greatest Gift that has ever been given by anyone at any time. Any gift that we give with love is a reflection of our Creator who first gave to us.

Christmas Is About Family and Loved Ones

I could use John 3:16 again to illustrate this point. We are God’s family – He created us so that He could have someone to fellowship with, and He sent Jesus so that we could become His spiritual children in this fallen world.

Family is of paramount importance to God. He could have sent Jesus as a fully grown adult, but instead He gave Jesus an earthly mother and father who raised Him in their family. Celebrating the value of family and friendship at Christmas time is a reflection of that first Christmas night when Jesus came to the earth.

Christmas Is About Being Kind To Strangers

Kindness – to friends and strangers alike – should be something that we Christians practice all year round. But if it takes the holiday of Christmas to get us back into the kindness mode, then that’s just fine. Ephesians 4:32 says “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” (ESV) Even the secular world tends to practice more kindness during the Christmas season, and as Christians we should carry that practice into the rest of the year, making the kindness of Christmas evident in our lives all the time.

Christmas Is A Church Holiday

Yes, it is – but it’s so much more than just a date on the calendar or a series of traditions. The church is supposed to be the body of Christ, His family and representatives here on earth – not just a fancy building or a denomination. If the church is the body of believers who follow Christ, then when we celebrate Christmas, that does indeed make it a “church” celebration. It’s up to us to let the world know that Christmas is more than just a candlelight service or the annual choir concert. It’s a celebration of Christ’s arrival so that we could become His church and his family.

Christmas Is About Jesus 

This is the true reason for the season. In Western cultures where Christmas is celebrated – however religiously or secularly – most people have probably heard the name of Jesus and know that He’s associated with this time of year. But if that’s all they know, then of course Santa Claus and reindeer would take more precedence in their lives. The very word “Christmas” comes from an Old English word meaning “Christ’s Mass” – that is, a celebration of Jesus. The festivities of Christmas – however secular some of them might be – provide the perfect opportunity for Christians to talk about Jesus and the real reason for this holiday.

Take this time of year to remember why we’re buying gifts and putting up decorations. Because God gave His Son to us to make us part of His family, we give to others. Love is kind, and so because God loved us, we should show kindness to others. If we are Christ-followers, then we’re part of His church, and it’s our job to share Him with those who don’t know Him.

So during this holiday season, when everyone around you is feeling kinder, more charitable, and cherishing their family time, don’t neglect Jesus, the true meaning of Christmas.

Article by : Grace Robinson

Grace Robinson was born and raised in Virginia, Grace studied English and creative writing at Hollins University. Currently living in Virginia with a rabbit and a lot of books, she’s a writer of fantasy and a fan of arctic places, world music, mythology, and linguistics. Soon-to-be world traveler and published author, Grace hosts her own blog and works for Helps2Media as a content supervisor.