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Yes, I know, Christmas is past and a new year is upon us. But, for some of us, there is a need to be reminded about the true reason we celebrate Christmas.
Christmas is not about spending tons of money on gifts for your kids, family, friends, etc. Although we are required to do this because it is one of our traditions. Christmas is the day we celebrate and give thanks for the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, who died for us when we were sinners and living in sin (Roman 5:8).
Spiritual education. The root word is Christmas is "Christ" which means the "anointed one." This means one specially chosen for an important purpose. The title Christ identifies Jesus as the anointed son of God, the true Messiah, the savior of the world (Mark 14:61-62; Matthew 16:16; 27:43; Acts 10:38). Jesus was used as his earthly name, and Christ as his eternal name.
People have begun to lose their focus of why Christmas is so very important. For those of us who are parents have failed to instruct our children. We have a major responsibility of telling our children the correct meaning of Christmas even if you have to read the Book of Luke Chapter 2 to explain it.
We should never put more emphasis on Santa Claus to explain gifts when we know that is so untrue. Let us remember that God does not approve of lies of any kind.
This coming year, 2010, let us all remember the true and honest meaning of Christmas and continue to give thanks to the Lord for his goodness and mercy.
All year round, we as a people, should never limit acts of kindness, acts of generosity, and acts of service for the Lord to one very, very special extraordinary day. Let us treat everyday as if it is Christmas (without spending money on gifts) and have a thankful heart all year round.
Valerie Denise Stephens
Gainesville