“Santa, what’s the meaning of Christmas?” –Cindy Lou Who

“Why, presents I suppose.” –The Grinch 

“I was afraid you’d say that.” –Cindy Lou Who

Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas, 2000

Christmas is just around the corner. Buildings and trees shine with colorful stringed lights, holiday music plays at every store, and peppermint mocha is back at coffee shops. There’s wreaths on every door, metal deer in our yards, and family movie nights, watching Elf and The Grinch Who Stole Christmas. Yes, the hustle and bustle of the Christmas season is cheery and fun, but I believe we’ve distracted ourselves from the true meaning of Christmas.

Now, I love Christmas. The weather is bitter, but the feeling is warm. I love building gingerbread houses, shopping for Christmas presents while drinking hot cocoa, and decorating the tree. But when I think about what Christmas actually is, the importance of those fun traditions melt away.

This is my perspective on Christmas as a Christian.

On Christmas we give, and we receive. Have you ever wondered why? Well, I believe I know the answer. The first Christmas was said to be around 6 BC to 4 BC, when Jesus Christ was born. It was a virgin birth, a miracle from God. He was said to be the King of the Jews, sent from Heaven, the first coming of Christ. Heaven’s angels were sent down to tell the good news, leading people to where the baby lay. You see, Jesus was a gift from God. He was sent to later be crucified with the weight of our sins, saving us from eternal damnation if we repent.

“For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, so that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life” John 3:16

God gave, so we give. This is the same way that we love because God loved us first. Three wise men came with gifts for Jesus shortly after he was born, being our second example of giving, taking after God.

But even if we took away all of the presents, it’s still Christmas, because the gift of Christ, our Emmanuel, never leaves. He is always present, arms open wide, ready to hold you in His loving arms. This is what I believe Christmas is all about.

“Isn’t there anyone who knows what Christmas is all about?” – Charlie Brown

“Sure, Charlie Brown, I can tell you what Christmas is all about. ‘For behold, I bring unto you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day, in the City of David, a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was an angel, a multitude of heavenly host, praising God, and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men'” – Linus Van Pelt

A Charlie Brown Christmas, 1965