Sermon On The Christmas Spirit

William E. Vaughan, otherwise known by the pseudonym: Burton Hillis, an American columnist and author once remarked: “The best of all gifts around any Christmas tree: the presence of a happy family all wrapped up in each other.” James 1:17 reminds us: “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.”

Christmas is defined as the annual Christian festival celebrating Christ’s birth, held on the 25th December in the Western Church. It is a time for a reflection on the love, joy, family union and giving that God represents. Its spirit represents a mood or attitude that's appropriate to the Christmas season. That is characterized by feelings of goodwill, benevolence, and a willingness to enjoy oneself. It can also be described as a time of togetherness, selflessness, and forgiveness.

Matthew 1:18-25 reminds us: “Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet:

“Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel”

(which means, God with us). When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him: he took his wife, but knew her not until she had given birth to a son. And he called his name Jesus.”

Jesus is not only considered the light of the world, He is the truth of life. John 8:12 confirms: Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” His coming brought hope for many and His subsequent death and resurrection created the opportunity for eternal life. The truth of life conceives the understanding of its complexities, with a meaning and a purpose.

One of the primary purposes of Jesus’ coming was the restoration of God’s image in mankind. Sin had overcome the world in several respects and had significantly diminished the idealism of what God wanted from His children whom He had created. His people needed to be taught new perspectives to aid, and overturn the evil that existed and create a better life. It opened the doorway to salvation through the redemption of sin. Jesus’ suffering on the cross replaced the need for man to suffer for their iniquities and provided a hope of eternal life.

For many, a Christmas tree is an essential part of Christmas. It is defined as an evergreen or artificial bush decorated with lights, tinsel and other ornaments during the season of Christmastide. The tradition of decorating Christmas trees was first introduced in the late 18th century, and became popular in the 19th. In Christianity, it represents a symbol of Christ’s birth and resurrection. Immortality is suggested in its branches which are often considered to represent Christ’s crown of thorns placed on His head prior to His crucifixion on the cross. Jeremiah 10:1-5 reminds us: “Hear the word that the Lord speaks to you, O house of Israel. Thus says the Lord: “Learn not the way of the nations, nor be dismayed at the signs of the heavens because the nations are dismayed at them, for the customs of the peoples are vanity. A tree from the forest is cut down and worked with an axe by the hands of a craftsman. They decorate it with silver and gold; they fasten it with hammer and nails so that it cannot move. Their idols are like scarecrows in a cucumber field, and they cannot speak; they have to be carried, for they cannot walk. Do not be afraid of them, for they cannot do evil, neither is it in them to do good.”

The Christmas spirit is a general feeling of goodwill, joy, generosity and kindness to another. Happiness is intended to prevail. The preparations in the lead-up to the festive period may be time-consuming and tiring, but Christmas is a time to rejoice. It often includes the exchanging of Christmas cards, the singing of carols, giving and receiving gifts from friends and family, a reunion of distant family members, and perhaps more importantly, the love of God that was given by the birth of His Son in an earthly environment.