True Meaning of Christmas
May 3, 2019 by Kathy Carlton Willis
Filed under Daily Devotions, Worship
By Kathy Carlton Willis –
What is the true meaning of Christmas? Why is it that Christmas somehow brings cheer? I think it is important to ponder the meaning of Christmas to reveal the special powers of this special holiday.
Is the meaning of Christmas found in all of the decorations? Houses and city streets are brightly decorated. The beauty and splendor of it all brings cheer to the heart, but it isn’t the true meaning of Christmas.
Maybe the meaning of Christmas is found in being with family. Certainly the holiday isn’t the same when you are apart from the ones you love the most. As much as we enjoy being with family for the holidays, the meaning of Christmas isn’t wrapped up in celebrating Christmas with our relatives.
Is the true meaning of Christmas found in gift giving? Shoppers spend hard-earned money to buy just the right gifts for their loved ones. Children can’t wait to flip through catalogs to make out their Christmas wish lists. Adults have learned it isn’t so much about receiving gifts, but about seeing eyes light up when someone you care for opens the gift you handpicked for them. But Christmas isn’t about gift giving either. Even if no one gave a single gift, Christmas would still exist.
The true meaning of Christmas is all about Who we celebrate. It’s actually a big birthday party in honor of the only One ever born to change our eternal destinations. Not only can Christ change where we go when we die, He changes who we are from the inside out, a real rebirth for us. We give gifts because the wise men came bearing gifts when they came to meet the Christ-child. We hang lights because the stars lit the sky on that nativity so long ago. And we long to be with family just like Mary longed to be with her cousin Elizabeth when she found out she was bearing the Holy One.
Everything we do to celebrate the Christmas season is all well and good as long as we remember why we celebrate in the first place. How important is the gift of Christ to you? Have you come to Him, just as you are, much like the shepherds and wise men, to allow Him to make a difference in your life?
“Come and see a man who told me everything I ever did! Could he possibly be the Messiah?” (John 4:29 NLT).
Today’s devotional is by Kathy Carlton Willis, Christ-servant, wife to Russ, editor, publicist, certified CLASSeminars speaker and faculty member. Kathy Carlton Willis Communications encompasses her many passions. Kathy’s tagline captures her essence—Light & Lively: His Reflection/Her Laughter. Schedule Kathy for a speaking event or contact her firm for promotional assistance. KCWC gets jazzed shining the light on God’s writers and speakers.
Kathy Carlton Willis shines, whether she’s shining the light on God’s writers and speakers, or reflecting God’s Light during her speaking programs. She is Christ-servant, wife to Russ, editor, publicist, certified CLASSeminars faculty and AWSA member. KCW Communications encompasses her many passions. Schedule Kathy for a speaking event or contact her firm for promotional assistance. Learn more at http://www.kathycarltonwillis.com/.
I like the analogy. The lights and trimmings, the gifts and family are variables like the party’s menu, decorations, and guest list. The reason for the party is always the same, and should always remain the focus. Thanks for this view!