What are you doing to get ready for Christmas this year?
I guess most of us are looking for just the right gifts for family and friends. Why do we do this?
Christians cite the three wise men, or Magi, bringing the Christ Child gifts at his birth as a reason to give gifts. The Magi brought Jesus expensive gifts fit for a king: gold, frankincense and myrrh. These gifts were to honor Him, celebrate His birth and express their reverence and respect. In remembrance and imitation of the wise men, as Jesus’ birth is celebrated and gifts can’t be given to Him in person, gifts are given to family, friends and the needy in a way of remembering and honoring Him.
I enjoy shopping for my family members. Giving to them makes me happy and expresses my love!
Watching the grandchildren anticipate opening the gifts reminds me of when our sons were little and they were so curious about those strangely shaped packages under the tree. And it reminds us of when we were little and the excitement that went with the unknown surprises that awaited.
Christmas is also a time to give gifts to those who are special and help us in our lives, like teachers, postmen, delivery men and on and on. The office workers at the doctor’s and dentist’s offices are often treated. Church leaders and teachers receive tokens of thanks and affection.
At Christmastime many donate money, gifts or food for the needy in the community. Serving a dinner to the homeless may be part of giving in some families. Buying coats or clothes for children in need is another way people find to give during Christmas.
Decorating and putting up a Christmas tree is another part of the traditions that help set the scene for the celebration in many homes. Lights are strung, trees are decorated and often candles and greenery are used to bring Christmas cheer. Wreaths on doors and sometimes windows, Nativity figures on the lawn and garland may trim the fences and homes in preparation for Christmas. Many people enjoy riding around and looking at the festive light displays in towns and around homes as well as special places that put on Christmas displays.
Families often have traditional foods that are served at Christmas and are specially made only at that time of the year. Relatives may gather from far and near to celebrate the holiday and Jesus’ birth. It can be a time of reconnection and renewal.
For some people, Christmas can be lonely or sad if they have lost loved ones or suffered some great loss. The anticipation of the holiday may not be realized, and disappointment may set in.
However, although we may love and hold onto traditions surrounding Christmas, they do not make the real meaning and significance of Christmas.
Whether there are trees or not, gifts or not, fudge and sausage balls or not, lights put up or not — Christmas will come.
Christmas — the time we remember the birth of Jesus Christ the Savior and only Son of God who came into the world to seek and save the lost — will break clear and profound in our hearts if we seek it.
“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, the prince of Peace.” ~ Isaiah 9:6
