Discover the True Meaning of Christmas

The moment I realized that people had lost the true meaning of Christmas was when they began writing Christmas as "x-mas". What exactly does "x-mas" mean? An "x" represents something unknown or crossed out. It's a shame that society is crossing out the one person who can make a difference in anybody's life-Jesus Christ.

I don't deny that Christmas has become a commercial holiday. Retailers host mega sales on the day after Thanksgiving to get consumers to spend more of their hard-earned dollars. Children's Christmas lists grow longer and more expensive every year. If stores offer more, people want more. Society turns inward towards themselves instead of outward to those in need.

But, there is still hope. Churches around my city put on productions of the Nativity scene that are free and open to the public. People are given a chance to come and see just why Christmas exists. For those who may not make it to church or are eagerly searching for a deeper meaning to the season, I want to share with you the reason for my joy and goodwill.

God took pity on the beings that He had created. The world had turned its back on the Creator, but still He loved us. God wasn't ready to write humanity off as a lost cause even though we deserved it. He sent His son, Jesus Christ into the world to save the creation that He loved with all His heart.

God chose a humble servant named Mary. An angel of the Lord appeared to her and told her of the wondrous promises that God desired to fulfill through her. Though scared, Mary knew of God's love and faithfulness. She humbly obeyed God.

Mary was engaged to be married to a carpenter named Joseph. Before they were wed, Mary discovered that she was pregnant, fulfilling the promise the angel had told her about. Joseph reacted as any man would. He did not understand how this could have happened. He was ready to send Mary away to avoid shame until another angel of the Lord visited him in a dream. The angel revealed God's message to Mary and also that the baby would be a son, to be named Jesus.

With a new understanding, Joseph did not send Mary away but resolved to marry her still once the baby was born. They traveled to Bethlehem in Judea for a census ordered by King Herod. The journey was difficult and when they arrived, Mary was ready to give birth.

Due to the census, all of the lodging establishments were full. One innkeeper offered the use of his stable to the weary travelers. And so, in a stable, using a manger as a bed, Mary and Joseph witnessed the birth of the son of God, Jesus Christ.

The son of God entered the world in humble surroundings. There was no fanfare or fancy party to usher in his coming. The glory for this birth belonged to God alone and it was celebrated in heaven. Angels appeared to shepherds and wise men who visited the Christ child. Jesus was born to save ones such as these-the rich and the poor.

This story represents the reason why Christmas is celebrated. When you share this account with others, the purpose of our lives and the holiday season becomes clear. Without the birth of Jesus Christ, there would be no reason to celebrate. We would still be a doomed society left to our own devices, devoid of any real compassion towards each other. Now, we have hope. Share the true meaning of the holidays with friends and family and help to put Christ back in Christmas!