What is the true “meaning” of Christmas?
Have you seen the movie “The Grinch”? While “Cindy Lou Who” searches for the “real meaning” of Christmas, the Grinch is sure Christmas is all about gifts– and gifts that people don’t really want or need.
It seems every channel touts a “feel good” Christmas movie where the characters find the “true meaning of Christmas.”
And, most of these programs do have a good message, especially the kids’ programs. By the end of the story, the viewer sees that Christmas isn’t about materialism and presents. We learn that “Christmas Spirit” is being loving, showing kindness, helping others, sharing, and giving.
But is this the TRUE meaning of Christmas?
Sometimes, even as Christians we lose sight of the TRUE meaning of Christmas…..CHRIST.
We celebrate that Christ came to earth to dwell among us- Immanuel, God is WITH US…..
God incarnate…..fully God and fully man, born as a babe in a manger.
We celebrate the HOPE we now enjoy because God dwelt among us, living AND dying for us.
And now because of Christ…..because of Christmas…..Immanuel, God is WITH US, dwells WITHIN us!
So, yes we do radiate “Christmas Spirit” by loving, showing kindness, helping others, sharing and giving, but we do all that BECAUSE of Jesus Christ living within us. It is HIS Spirit (the CHRISTmas Spirit!) radiating out of us!
Christmas IS about a gift. But, not so much the gifts of the three wise men or the gifts under the tree, but Christmas is about THE gift of CHRIST. God gave us the first gift….Messiah, the babe in the manger, Jesus Christ.
“For God so loved the world that He GAVE His one and begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16
Father God, thank You for the gift of Jesus. May I be focused on this precious Gift all through the Christmas season and every day. Help me to always remember and tell others the TRUE meaning of Christmas- the gift of Christ. In Jesus’ Name I pray. Amen.
And, please visit me at my personal blog:
All this month I will be sharing special devotions helping us to focus on CHRISTmas. I would love if you stopped by!
Tracy,
This is a beautiful devotion. This week and next are absolutely the craziest weeks of the year for me. I have to purposefully dwell on CHRISTmas. Thank you and Tracy, have a blessed week and Christmas season. Hugs.
Beautifully written Tracy. It is very easy to get wrapped up in the “kindness and goodwill” theme to Christmas and forget the main piont. Thank you!
Tracy, this should be read in every home tonight!
All of us get wrapped up in the “Christmas Spirit” that the world exemplifies. It’s that true meaning of Christmas that we need to be making sure our children and grandchildren don’t miss.
Thank you for this.
Blessings.
The most precious gift ever given. Beautifully said Tracy.
Amen.
Amen to that, Tracy. I have on my desktop this month a very short prayer as inspiration “Lord, help me to let Your light shine this Christmas season”…Christmas is indeed about the great gift of them all – Christ 🙂
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