Candycanes, presents, a decorated tree,
Santa Claus, reindeer, a wish for you and me.
It seems like we have all forgotten what Christmas is really about. But then again, what IS Christmas about? It's not about having the prettiest tree, or the most expensive gifts. It's not about baking a feast, decorating the house, or inviting the dreaded in-laws over.
What then? WHY do we celebrate Christmas?
Recently I have discovered that Jesus wasn't born on December 25th--most likely, it was in mid-September. If that is so, then why do we celebrate Christmas on December 25th? What is the point?!
Well, even though it's not Jesus Christ's real birthday, I think we still need to celebrate Christmas: with the right point of view and understanding.
See, it started to all make sense when a friend of mine had his birthday, but celebrated it a few weeks later. It's almost the same with Christmas-Jesus may have been born in September, but we just celebrate his coming on December 25th. It's a day we, as humans, have set aside to worship God, to thank Him for sending Jesus in the form of a man that we may all receive Salvation. A day to rejoice because God fulfilled the prophecies of the Bible, a day to remember that God's Word is forever true.
Then why all the commercialization?
Over time, with different traditions and cultures, Christmas was celebrated in many different ways, for many different reasons. Over the years, it has gotten waayyyy out of control--almost to the point that we celebrate it all for the gifts, and forget what our Savior did for us. Now, I'm by no means saying it's bad to give presents, eat goodies, and fellowship with friends and family!! There are several Christmas traditions that can tie back to Christ, making it a Christ-centered Christmas.
For example, giving gifts. God GAVE us His Son, in the form of a child, because he loved us. In this day and age, we give gifts to those we love and care about, spreading God's love and joy. We read the Christmas story in the Bible, to remind us all of what Mary, Joseph, the shepherds and Wisemen all had to go through and to be reminded of how we have been blessed. We have warm houses, vehicles to drive, good hygiene and clean clothes, none of which our Savior had coming into the world. There are so many others, but I will leave you, my dear reader, the joy of discovering for yourself.
May we all remember the true meaning of Christmas, the real reason for celebration--lest we lose ourselves to the world and its commercialized fantasies.
May you have a Blessed CHRISTmas, and may your heart be filled with His peace and joy!
With love to all,
SimplyJen
