Essence of Christmas

As is with any festival, Christmas too has many traditions and customs which are being carried forward by families the world over. These traditions and customs may be as varied as the diversity in cultures. Some, though are common to everyone celebrating Christmas in any part of the world. Everyone loves receiving gifts on Christmas. Children, with their innocence wait eagerly for Santa Claus to bring them gifts. In many countries children hang stockings believing that it will be filled with goodies by Santa Claus. But, as adults we understand the significance of giving more than receiving and plan way ahead to get something thoughtful for our near and dear ones.

What is the significance of Christmas? Jesus is the essence of Christmas, as a matter of fact, the word Christmas is a derivation of the word ‘Christ’. If we are celebrating Christmas, it is therefore important to know and believe in the person after whom the day was named.

As shown in the biblical passage above, Jesus Christ came on a salvage mission, to save mankind from their sins. Christmas should therefore be a time for repentance for those who have not accepted God’s plan of salvation for mankind, and a time for sober reflection and rededication for those all those that have accepted the Lordship of Jesus Christ. Jesus was born about years over 2000 years ago to save you from your sins. The good news is that his salvation programme did not end over 2000 years ago. He is still alive ready to save you from your sins. God has given a grace of over 2000 years for anyone willing to be saved to come unto him. As Christmas rolls in, it should be a time of remembrance of Gods plan of salvation.If you do not have Christ in your life, then you be celebrating Christmas without the presence of the Celebrant in your life.

The essence of Christmas is therefore to accept Christ, the celebrant into your life and invite him to dine with you for the rest of your life. The good news is that there is a greater Christmas in heaven, a Christmas whose celebration do not end in a day. Only the redeemed can participate in this everlasting Christmas.