Meanings

“For unto us a child is born, unto us a Son is given: and the government shall be on His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace,” Isaiah 9:6, KJV.

I just finished watching a really silly Christmas movie. At the end of the movie, I mentioned to my husband that if this alone is what carries people through the holiday season, these feel good movies of love and mistletoe, my heart is sad. I’m not saying that these feel good seasonal movies are wrong, because I personally like some of them, (just not the one I recently viewed). As long as they are just a fun escape, and not the all-consuming, sole reason for the season.

After the movie, I began to think how very fortunate we Christians are to have substance to our Christmas season. The reality of love, not just a fantasy of love. We are given the foundation of truth, forgiveness and hope. The reason there is a season in the first place--Jesus--The Prince of Peace.

Without faith in Jesus anchoring us to the hearth and dinner table, our feast of sugar cookies and pumpkin pies would be empty calories. Though we might be content with the decorations and festivities, we would miss the whole point of Christmas. As a result, we might feel physically full, yet spiritually hungry on the 26th.

But with Jesus, we have the joy that allows our merriment to actually be bright. We can watch our movies, and suck on a candy cane fully aware that they are props, not the center stage. Jesus is the real star of the show and the true meaning of Christmas.

Jesus is the One we have the privilege to celebrate and focus on. Sometimes it’s all month, yet for others it’s only for a few days. As we make Jesus the focal point of Christmas, it actually helps keep our feet resolute to welcome a new year with its new challenges.

This truth that lives in our hearts and minds can be the source of authentic joy anywhere we go, even at our work or home parties, we can remember why we gather. We know that the hope of mankind was born, and that is something to celebrate, indeed. And when others see the joy that is in us, we have an opportunity to introduce them to Jesus, our Savior.

Are we more focused on making our lists and checking them twice than on remembering why we decorate and celebrate in the first place?

Are we consumed with the hype over the hope?

Do others see the joy of Jesus in us? Are they asking about it? Do you have opportunities to share?

Father,

I don’t think You care if we decorate or not, or whether we give one or one hundred gifts, but I do think You care if we forget to say, “Thank You for sending Your Son to be our Savior.”

I think You do care if we forget to remember the real meaning of Christmas. Jesus was born to die for all of us. Thank You for the gift of Your Son. It cost You everything to offer Him up as our sacrifice. Thank You for loving us so much. Forgive us when we forget that truth or just keep it to ourselves.

Help us to remember why this is so important. Help us to remember—“Peace on Earth and good will to all.” Help us to be Your heralds who sing, speak and draw the attention back to Bethlehem, where Your Son was born.

Help us to say, “Look here’s the Savior of the world—we get to celebrate His birthday!”

Help us to love others as You have loved us. Unconditionally. Sacrificially. Completely.

Help us to remember to say, “Thank You,” again and again, and again.

In the Name of the One who matters most, Jesus—

Amen.