The True Meaning Of Christmas

We read from Isaiah 1 how God was upset with Israel and refused their offering and celebrations even though they prayed three times a day, fasted twice a week, and faithfully celebrated the festivals and feasts. Why? Because they lived a sinful life, didn't do justice, neglected the poor, and the leaders were corrupt. Therefore, God called them to repent. How they lived every day is more important than the rituals they did.

Sadly, many Christians today think like those in the Book of Isaiah. In December, they suddenly become holy men/women, care for the needy, join in church activities, enjoy fellowship with others, and worship the Lord. While from January to November, they live like unbelievers. They don't involve God in their lives, don't care about God's will for them, and live like those who do not know Christ. Christmas should not be a 'spiritual laundry' for us! We should live every day doing what God desires from us. Pastor A. Rogers said what God desires is that we would know Him. Not just know about Him, in the same way, we know about science or mathematics. God wants us to know Him personally and intimately. God also wants us to worship and love Him. When we deeply love God and are committed to worshiping Him above everything else, we naturally put Him first. God desires us to obey His commandments.

We demonstrate our love for God and commitment to putting Him first by obeying His commandments. In John 14:15, Jesus said, "If you love Me, keep My commandments." In John 14:23-24, "Jesus replied, "Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them. Anyone who does not love me will not obey my teaching. These words you hear are not my own; they belong to the Father who sent me."

In addition to loving God with all our heart, soul, and strength, God desires that we would love others as we love ourselves. Jesus says that all of God's commands can be summed up in loving God and loving others. Matthew 22:37-39 says, "Jesus replied: "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'."

So, the true meaning of Christmas is dedicating our whole lives to love God and others, accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, walk with Him daily and do His commands. Let's ask ourselves, do our lives show those things that God desires from us?

If we want to celebrate Christmas, it should glorify God and focus on Jesus—All activities, messages, songs, decorations should talk about Jesus, why He came and what He did for humans. It is Jesus whom we celebrate during this season. Celebrating Christmas without Jesus is like hosting a birthday party where the birthday person may not come in. And that happens today in many places. And this saddens Jesus' heart.

Let's celebrate Christmas next Sunday by glorifying God and focusing on Jesus. And may God help us love Him and others every day. And may the peace of Jesus and His love fill our hearts throughout the year.