What Is The Real Meaning of Christmas?

Gift lists are an essential part of Christmas for many people. In fact, for some people the gifts help to define the real meaning of Christmas.

Well, I’ve decided that I am going to give you my Christmas list.  If you are reading this, I believe you have the potential to help me get what’s on my wish list.  I want you to know that I am not greedy.  Your gift can be just one thing on the list (although if you want to give me more than one, that will be fine).  I am patient.  Give your gift when it’s convenient.  After Christmas will be acceptable – though on or before would be even better.

Ready?  Here goes!

1.    Find a quiet corner in your home or office.  Sit down with your Bible, and read Luke 2:1-20.  Read it in whatever Bible you own.  Just read it.  That’s it!

2.    Pause for a second and reflect on the “good news” the angel brought the shepherds: the good news of a Savior from sin.  Close your eyes and whisper two of those words to yourself.  First, “sin.”  Think about it.  Then, “Savior.”  Again – that’s all.  Thank you very much.

3.    Even as you read this, people everywhere are telling children that they will get what they want for Christmas if they have been “good little boys and girls.”  Make me very happy this year.  Don’t say this to anybody.  If they ask, tell the children in your home that they are going to get presents because you love them.  The same way God gave us a Savior from sin because he loved us, and not because we had been good little sinners!

4.    Another thing.  Every year, certain well-meaning but misguided souls try to make you feel guilty about presents and holly and Christmas cards and turkey because all these things supposedly detract from the true meaning of Christmas.  Tell these souls to lighten up.  The true meaning of Christmas isn’t as fragile as that.  The greatest present ever given – our newborn Savior – is not threatened by the presents under your tree or the food on your table.  Enjoy a great Christmas with all the trimmings.  Really – you will be doing me a favor!

5.    To make your Christmas as joyful as possible, come and thank God for your Savior, that greatest present ever given.  I mean, thank God out loud!  Over at his house!  With other Christians!  Most Christians would like nothing better than to have you celebrate with them this time of year!

There.  Now you have my Christmas list.  Have fun filling it.  And when you do, I promise you that you will see what the real meaning of Christmas is all about!


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