What is Christmas?

by Dale Harcombe | More from this Blogger

23 Dec 2008 08:16 PM

For many people Christmas is all about spending time with family. For others it is about presents and shopping and the hype that goes along with Santa and presents. For those estranged from family or with no loved one nearby Christmas is the loneliest time. It is no surprise that the suicide rate goes up at Christmas.

Christmas is the time when we celebrate the fact of God's love sending His Own Son into the world as a human baby. As Michael Card puts it 'Christmas is the celebration of the keeping of a promise... the promise that he would someday walk with us, that we might be His people and He our God... a saving promise.'

The Bible puts it like this. 'Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and shall bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel, which translated means, "God with us," Matthew 1:23.

Sadly many people in our world don't have an idea about this central truth of Christmas and they may never know unless we tell them. Look around, what can you do to share this good news with others or to help brighten Christmas for the lonely?

I love Christmas. I love going to the letter box and getting Christmas cards and letters from people. I love sending cards and choosing and buying gifts for others and seeing their joy when they open them. I like the truth of this thought, 'The way you spend Christmas is far more important than how much'. --Henry David Thoreau

There is so much I love about Christmas, like the carols that reflect the truth and message of Christmas and the Bible words as they tell the story never lose their appeal, the light, the tree, the preparations many of which I still need to do.

I like this anonymous quote which is on my calendar. 'Christmas is a time of the heart, not just a date. Its meaning transcends time. Jesus was born to love us and fill our lives with himself.'

My prayer for each of you is that you will know His love, not just this Christmas but each day throughout the coming year.

Bible verses from The New American Standard Version

Please visit these related blogs

Christmas Carols

Christmas Lights?

A Christmas Movie to Share with Your Loved One.

What About Santa?

Learn more about Dale Harcombe

Dale has a passion for books and writing. She writes in various forms, from articles to poetry to fiction for children and adults.

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mcmama (51978) 24 Dec 2008 07:32 AM

I am a true Christmas freak. We are finishing the tree today and then setting up the trains. We will go to Christmas eve service and supper afterwards. Like you, I love receiving cards, especially those which depict a religious theme. However, for me, I like to parodize things - so I am always sending humorous Santa cards.

It is a time of great joy, even in the midst of sorrow

Dale Harcombe (10373) 25 Dec 2008 12:49 PM

The trains? Is that some sort of Christmas tradition in your house? We're in the afterglow of Christmas here now. It's Boxing Day in Australia.