The Christmas season is a time of joy and celebration, filled with cherished traditions that bring warmth to our hearts. Many of us delight in decorating Christmas trees, stringing lights on our houses, and exchanging gifts with loved ones. These are fun and meaningful traditions that add to the festive spirit of the season.
Yet, as we immerse ourselves in these activities, it’s important to remember that the heart of Christmas is not found in the twinkle of lights or the giving and receiving of presents. Instead, it’s found in the knowledge of His presence. The true essence of this season is Jesus Christ—our Savior, who came to be with us and to bring hope, peace, and salvation to the world.
The angel’s proclamation to the shepherds that first Christmas night reminds us of what we celebrate: “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord”(Luke 2:11, ESV). These words declare the incredible gift that God has given us—His Son, born into the humblest of circumstances, to save us from our sins. This is the reason for the season, and it’s a truth too profound to be overshadowed by the busyness of holiday preparations.
There’s nothing wrong with enjoying Christmas traditions. In fact, they can help create lasting memories and bring families closer together. But they should never take the place of Jesus in our hearts. Think of the wise men who traveled far to worship Jesus. They brought gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh, but the most significant part of their journey was their worship. They didn’t let the journey or the gifts overshadow the Savior. In the same way, our traditions and celebrations should be offerings of joy and gratitude that always point to Jesus.
This Christmas season, I pray we take time to reflect on what truly matters. Let’s make sure we don’t let the sparkle of the season blind us to its true light—Jesus Christ. Let’s take time to savor the wonder of His birth, the depth of God’s love, and the hope that His coming brings. And may everything we do this season, from stringing lights to giving gifts, draw us closer to Him. Because, the best way to celebrate Christmas is to celebrate Jesus, the greatest gift of all.
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