The real reason for the season

Christmas trees, holly, mistletoe, gingerbread, Santa, shopping, eggnog, cookies, and presents, it seems like the Christmas season goes into overdrive the second the Thanksgiving turkey finds its way to the refrigerator.

We start this ritualistic rush and find ourselves exhausted with preparation and fed up with everyone around us. Lots of us even comment on how we wish Christmas could just be relaxing and dare we say calm.

The truth is, Christmas was never supposed to be high speed, fast paced present free-for-all. This misconception of Christmas began the moment we began to commercialize the holiday season. We know that the true meaning of Christmas is not Santa Claus. It is not about gifts. Fancy decorations and family gatherings are not the function of Christmas. We love these things, but the reason for Christmas is to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.

The story of the birth of Jesus is magnificently wonderful. From the pronouncement of His birth by the angels to the shepherds to the coming of the wise men bringing gifts of gold, myrrh, and frankincense, each part brings with it a beautiful portrayal of what Christmas is about. First, these shepherds out in the fields were tasked with watching the sheep that were to be sacrificed in the temple of Jerusalem. Jesus is the perfect spotless lamb that was coming to be the ultimate sacrifice for our sins. The shepherds knew the significance of the savior and left to find him in a manger. The very place where animals would eat, Jesus was placed there. It was almost prophetic of when Jesus said later those who consumed him, would be saved.

The wise men brought their symbolic gifts of gold that declared his deity and kingship, myrrh that declared his death, and frankincense that symbolized his worship. Each gift was strategic and speaks of the wonder of this story. It also shows the intentionality of God who sent his only son into the world to save the world. God gave the gift of salvation to mankind.

With this wonderful gift like any other gift, we must accept it. The story of Jesus Christ is no fairy tale. It is not a metaphor or simile. This story is the TRUTH. Jesus Christ brings hope to us who are in darkness. Even those of us who don’t think we are in the dark. He still came. His life existed so ours could. This is Christmas, nothing else.

Family, friends, and fellowship are important, but not as important as Jesus Christ and what he has done for you. Take the time to celebrate the real reason for the season. For unto you is born this day a savior who is Christ the Lord. It is not about some religious perfunctory. It is about the realization that Jesus Christ has come, and he is directing us towards this wonderful gift of salvation.