Your Christmas Celebration?

Your Christmas Celebration_

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“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16 (ESV)

And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:14 (ESV)

In looking up how many people celebrate Christmas, it estimates roughly two billion people, (approximately 1/3 of the global population) celebrate on December 25th around the world. With so many people celebrating Christmas around the world, the question I have is this: What are you celebrating at Christmas? For many, it is a chance to reconnect with family and friends, to have parties, give gifts, and celebrate each other. For others, it is important to give back to those in need who do not have the financial means to have a traditional Christmas dinner and gift-giving celebration. And still for others, it is a time to celebrate the birth of the Christ Child; God’s gift, given to humankind to be the sacrificial lamb for all people.

In looking at further statistics, it is estimated that in the United States, over $1trillion dollars was spent on Christmas alone. Christmas celebrations for the most part have become a huge financial global enterprise. People spend a lot of money on gifts, services, and parties, all to celebrate Christmas. However, when we stop to think about it, the word ‘Christmas’ was derived from the Old English phrase Christ’s Mass, which was a church service that was first recorded to have happened around 1038 AD, in celebration of the birth of Jesus. But from that first recorded church service until now, it has turned into a global commercial enterprise that rarely seeks to pay homage to Jesus Christ, the Son of God.

We know the real reason for the season is the celebration of Christ's coming to Earth to live and to eventually become the sacrificial lamb. If He were here living on Earth during this time, what would He do? From reading the scriptures, it is clear He would focus on giving to those in need: the poor, the widower, the orphan, the homeless, the foreigner, and those living in marginalized communities. I pray that for the next Christmas season, our focus will be centered on engaging in activities that would truly please Jesus. He would be happy to see His children doing good, especially for those who are in need. Now, I am not discouraging anyone from decorations, parties, gift-giving, and general celebrations during the Christmas season. However, I hope to encourage many to shift their focus somewhat, toward giving gifts that would make a difference in someone’s life and make Jesus happy.

So, for next year, how will you celebrate Christmas?

Blessings,

Angélique 💐

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