For me, it has come to mean much more than gifts or traditions; it’s an invitation to understand the true gift at its core.
Over the years, my understanding of this celebration has deepened. As a child, Christmas left me feeling shame. Our lack was evident during the holidays, leading me to believe I wasn’t as privileged as my peers with elaborate gifts, though I still valued every Christmas basket we received.
After becoming a “Christian,” I marked December 25 as the date of Jesus’s birth. Yet I didn’t fully grasp how this ancient virgin birth could be a gift or how to understand baby Jesus as my Messiah. Like many religious people, I celebrated without really knowing what the Messiah meant.
Strong’s H4899 Messiah= anointed one, Messianic prince, the King.
While I knew Jesus was King, I had to ask myself: was HE truly King of my life? Reflecting on the past year allows me to recognize that I only allowed HIM to be King of certain parts of my life—not everything—while still reserving control over the directions I chose to take. This realization connects back to my ongoing journey of understanding Christmas more deeply, weaving together my faith and personal reflection.
John 3:16 states that God gave us His only Son, and whoever believes in HIM shall not perish but have eternal life.
Yet, I didn’t understand my need for a savior. Before accepting Jesus, I didn’t see why I needed him or grasp the understanding of life after death—not reincarnation, but eternity. At the time, I thought being a good person was enough. Only when we stop measuring ourselves by society or others do we see we fall short of ‘perfect’ and need someone to stand in our place—an understanding that still unfolds for me.
Old Testament Prophecy fulfilled: Isaiah 7:14 Therefore, the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.
New Testament Fulfillment: Matthew 1:23 Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel, God with us.
Strong’s H6005 Immanuel = God with us or with us is God.
Reflecting on this meaning, I realize I didn’t fully understand what “Immanuel,” or “God with Us,” really meant. The depth of this concept has grown clearer, especially after the recent Bible study with the ladies at church. Even now, as I look ahead, I know there is always more to learn, and I am eager to continue. Once this truth settles into our hearts, it becomes a precious gift to protect against human rationalization. This transformative understanding shapes not only my faith but also my experience of Christmas this year.
This deeper understanding enriches my view of Christmas and makes my experience of it more meaningful.
Let us not grow complacent in our celebration of Christmas. Remember, it is not about the gifts, but about God’s love shown by sending His Son. I encourage everyone to keep seeking the true meaning of this celebration with joy, letting God’s love shape our perspective on Christmas.
Resist becoming overly familiar with the story:
- Ask God to renew your awe.
- Refuse to let routine dull reverence.
- Protect the truth from being reduced to tradition.
Wonder is sustained by humility and remembrance.
Without understanding Jesus’ Lordship and the meaning of ‘God with us,’ we cannot truly celebrate or grasp what Christmas represents. This is the heart of why Christmas matters.
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