Every year, around the world, people celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ on Christmas Day, the 25 of December. It’s a day and a season filled with Christmas carols, tree decorating, gift-giving, and parties. Among all the celebrations, you may be wondering, what is the real meaning of Christmas? Why do we have these Christmas traditions? What do they have to do with Jesus?
Christmas is an annual festival celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ on December 25 as a religious and cultural celebration among billions of people around the world. That’s because angels were God’s messengers to share the good news of the birth of Jesus to Mary, Joseph, and the shepherds. The angel Gabriel first appeared to a young woman called Mary. He told her that she was chosen to be the mother of Jesus, that is she would give birth to the Son of God. It is doubtful all her family and friends believed her story, but thankfully Joseph did as an angel visited him too. Even through all the challenges and difficult situations she would have to face from that moment on, Mary held onto the promises of God.
God also assures us that he is always working to bring good out of all that happens in our lives. Life is full of stress, anxiety, worries, and struggles, but God says he will never leave us or waver from his love for us. While his love is for everyone, God waits for us to ask him to help us in our troubles. When the time came for Mary to give birth to Jesus, she had to travel to Bethlehem for a census. The census meant the town was very busy and there were no guest rooms available for Mary and Joseph. Mary gave birth in what was a stable and laid Jesus down in a manger. There was no royal welcome in a palace for Jesus, the Son of God. Instead, on the night of his birth, he was sleeping rough. He was probably surrounded by animals, not royal attendants.
As Jesus grew, he experienced persecution, loneliness, grief, hunger, anger, and more. He came into the world to experience life as a human, to live among people, and to understand their struggles. This message gives us comfort and great joy to celebrate during Christmas. That night the angel said to a group of shepherds on the night Jesus was born, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people” (Luke chapter 2: verse 10). It is one of the most well-known Bible verses about Christmas because it is such an encouraging message. It also gives people joy because Jesus comforts and encourages us. One of hope because we are never alone. God is always with us, and one of inclusivity because it is for all of us.
Celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ is more than a Christian holiday or a Christian festival. It is more than an occasion to decorate our houses. It is an opportunity to pause and give thanks for the love, hope, and joy found in Jesus our Savior and friend. As we exchange gifts with loved ones, it is out of remembrance of the gift God gave us in Jesus. The gift is that we are loved, and that we are never alone and can have hope for the future.
