The Meaning of Christmas

In a darkened world of continued human weakness, sin and depravity, how important it is as much now as ever to remember the blessed gift of our Lord Jesus Christ, who came as a light into the darkness, heralded by the angel who declared “Fear not, for behold I bring good tidings of great joy, which shall be for all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David, a Saviour who is Christ the Lord.”

Of course, most of us recognise the fact that Christmas day is not the actual day of our Lord’s birth, and neither are we instructed through scripture to observe this particular day. And there are many who for their own beliefs would choose to abstain from any celebration at all. Romans 14, gives great insight into this, and I recommend its reading for clarification, but to summarise Paul’s wisdom on this, it is a matter of individual conscience, and the views and beliefs of individuals should be respected, and not try to impose our own. There are those who share conviction to observe particular days, and there are those who do not. We can over spiritualise, or equally fail to recognise spiritual importance in things. The point which is non-negotiable, and forms a basis for all, is that of freedom and grace to worship God in personal and meaningful ways, providing it is grounded in the two elements of  “Spirit and Truth”.

For me, Christmas remains a truly special time, in which I thank God for stepping into our world, and committing Himself forever to the benefit of man. It was through His birth that Jesus took on our human form, demonstrating His complete involvement and commitment to redeem fallen man into a renewed relationship that could only be possible through His own personal sacrifice. It was through His birth that Jesus entered into a world as a light shining in the darkness. It was through His birth that God immortal and God invisible, became God Immanuel. The revelation of the Father through the Son. That we could know God the Father, by looking at God the Son.

To me this is important and deserves individual recognition apart from the redeeming work of the Cross. Yes, the consummate work of Jesus’ life was upon the Cross, through His death and resurrection, but celebrating Christmas takes nothing away from this, but adds to it, because every aspect of Jesus’ life holds eternal revelation, and every day of His is one which holds sacred promise and comfort for all.

May the Lord bless you this Christmas, and the angelic message be alive in your hearts, of “Peace and Goodwill to all men”. Let us ensure, that in this world of darkness, a light still shines, for we are now that light, as Christ is in us, the hope of glory. I pray that wherever you are, and with whoever you meet this Christmas time, that your heart will be full of love, and your life with a light that shines like the ancient star of old, leading others to discover the gift of Jesus for themselves.