The Real Meaning
of Christmas
by Alisa Walsh
Over the past few thousand
years, Christmas has inevitably developed into a celebration of
gifts, goodies, and grandparents. December 25 is looked forward
to by some as nothing more than a few precious weeks off of school
and an excuse to receive as many unneeded presents possible. We
as Christians should know the true reason for the season, and
need to remember not to neglect the single person responsible
for the faith we have today. Straight from the Word of God itself,
here is a portion of the real Christmas story, as told by the
disciple Matthew:
“This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother
Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came
together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit.
Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and did not want
to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to put her away
quietly. But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord
appeared to him in a dream and said, ‘Joseph son of David,
do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what
is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth
to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will
save his people from their sins.’ All this took place to
fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: ‘The
virgin will be.... with child and will give birth to a son, and
they will call him Immanuel, which means, “God with us.”
When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded
him and took Mary home as his wife. But he had no union with her
until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus.”
(Matt. 1:18-25)
Yes, presents are pleasing, sweets are scrumptious, and grandparents
are giving, but the true Christmas cheer lies in Jesus Christ
and the sacrifices He so willingly made. This Christmas, keep
in mind our Savior and the true meaning for the celebrations held
around the world.
