Have Christians Forgotten the True Meaning of Christmas?

Weeks before Christmas so many people are rushing to stores to buy gifts for the people in their lives. Kids are sitting on Santa's lap or writing him a letter and telling him which toys they want for Christmas. But during this hectic and stressful time of year many Christians forget the true meaning of Christmas. Many of them forget that Christmas isn't actually about buying presents or Santa Claus and his reindeer. The real reason for Christmas is to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.

The first thing that causes many Christians to ignore the true meaning of Christmas is shopping. Christmas is the most commercial holiday and the promotion Christmas sales begin early each year. Every year stores also put out Christmas sales and decorations out early. Weeks before this holiday there are so many ads on TV, the internet, in magazines, and newspapers that are telling people what the hottest items are for the season. Many people are influenced by these ads. Several of them will stand in long lines just to buy the newest gadget. Many of them will also go into debt after they buy these products.

Another thing people do during the Christmas season are having disagreements about saying Merry Christmas or Happy Holidays and whether of not to display the nativity scene. During the Christmas season some retailers have a hard time choosing whether to say Merry Christmas or Happy Holidays. Many retailers decide to say Happy Holidays instead, but a small number of retailers choose to display or say Merry Christmas. Displaying the nativity scene also causes a lot of disagreements. Almost every year the media has a story about people fighting over displaying the nativity scene. When people or churches decide to display the nativity scene, some people become offended by it and want the display to immediately be taken down.

The final way some Christians forget the true meaning of Christmas is by being unhappy with some of the gifts they receive. If people receive a gift they didn't want, they will try to return it to the store or give it to another person. When people are unsatisfied with a gift they received, it can cause them to make the idea of receiving the right gift more important than what Christmas should really be about.

How can Christians celebrate the true meaning of Christmas?

One of the best ways Christians can celebrate the true meaning of Christmas is to find ways to practice the principal that says it's better to give than to receive. Taking the time to volunteer to help the less fortunate is a great way to start giving. People should also donate food to a local organization that collects food and they should also consider donating clothes, toys, and other items to families that are in need of those things.

The final way people can give during the holidays and through out the year is by sending care packages to soldiers. Whatever way people decide to give, the people that are receiving the help will all be very thankful.