Have you allowed Christmas to become a time of materialism, selfish gratification, and stress? In today’s world, this sacred holiday has lost much of its meaning because people do not really know what Christmas is all about.

The hustle and bustle of gift-buying, shopping, and catching the best sale consumes the majority of the public around this time of year. However, God’s purpose for the Christmas celebration is for us to remember and meditate on the most precious gift of all—Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.

Jesus was our Heavenly Father’s ultimate gift to mankind! Without Him, all of us would be doomed to an eternity in hell. However, God loved the world so much He gave Jesus to us. He came to die for our sins so we would not have to die and go to hell. It was the ultimate sacrifice.

It is easy to get wrapped up in the receiving aspect of the holidays, with much of the focus being on what we can expect to get from someone else. But what if every person, family, and community took on the attitude of servanthood and giving during the Christmas season? What if it became more about imitating what God did through giving Jesus, than it is about what we can get from someone else? I believe if this shift of focus would begin to take place, people’s needs would be met, love would be released, and everyone would get blessed.

The blessing of Christmas is bigger than a tree, shiny bows and ribbons, unwrapping presents, and getting everything on our wish list. It is really all about Jesus! He is the One who deserves the glory, honor, and praise for the awesome work He did on our behalf. He gave us the gift of salvation, something we did not earn or deserve.

This Christmas, I want to challenge you to focus on someone else and purpose to be a blessing to them, just like Jesus was and is, to us. Make a list of all the people you know and ask the Lord to show you what you can do to make their lives more joyous. Find out what and how God wants you to give so He can demonstrate His love to someone through you. This is the true meaning of Christmas.

Now, I am in no way saying it is wrong to receive gifts and experience the joy of getting something you really desire. God wants to bless you too! But in the midst of all that is going on around you, remember the reason for the season. Jesus is the One who gave us the gift of eternal life. Now that is something worth celebrating!


Scripture References:
John 3:16, 17
Acts 20:35
Luke 6:38