Friday, December 23, 2016

The True Meaning of Christmas

Christmas. It's one of the busiest times of the year. With all the caroling, Christmas pageants, buying gifts and getting the Christmas cards out, it can be a bit hectic. It's challenging,
but if we try, we can focus on the true meaning of Christmas that began over 2000 years ago.



 
It wasn't about Santa Claus and decorating trees with colored lights. There was nothing about making lists and checking them twice like it is today.  Don't get me wrong, I don't these things are wrong and I've done all of them all my life. But that not what Christmas is really about. 


It started with God's gift to us in order that we could spend eternity with Him. He came to earth as baby more than two thousand years ago, and a few decades later would sacrifice Himself to forgive us for all we've ever done wrong. That's how much God loves us. 
 
One thing that helps point me back to a good perspective of Christmas is listening to music that exalts Christ and his birth.  Right now I'm listening to music from the annual concert put on my the Azusa Pacific University choir.  A marvelous performance of Christmas music that's presented each year.  Hearing the music reminds me how it all started.  This, in addition to attending a Christmas Eve service at Fellowship Greenville, help me focus on the true meaning of Christmas.   

Now it's your turn. How do you keep the real meaning of Christmas at the forefront of your mind in this season? I'd love to hear your traditions. 


2 comments:

Cathy Baker said...

Love this, Ellen. We always read scripture before the first gift is opened. We started this tradition when the boys were young but still continue it today even though the boys have families of their own. We're never too old to be reminded of the true meaning! I hope you have a very Merry Christmas!!!

Ellen Andersen said...

What a great way to teach your boys,and remind ourselves, of why we celebrate Christmas. Reading how it all began with God's gift to us before opening the gifts we've given each other. Thanks for sharing this Cathy! Merry Christmas to you too.