What do you think about when you hear the word Christmas? Presents, food, family, traveling? All these things are what Christmas is about, but the number one meaning of Christmas is the birth of Jesus Christ. You can't leave Him out. 
Jesus' birth happened while his parents were traveling to Bethlehem to be counted in the census that Caesar Augustus had decreed. So there was traveling involved. Jesus was born in a stable and placed in a manger because there was no room for them in the inn. He was visited by shepherds after angels announced the good news of a great joy which was for all people: "for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord." I have always loved how Charlie Brown's Christmas included Lionel reading this passage from the Bible. It is always very moving to me. Jesus was also visited by magi (the three wisemen) from the east. They were sent by Herod to search for the Child. The magi brought Him gifts of gold and frankincense and myrrh. "And having been warned by God in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed for their own country by another way." This is why gifts are given at Christmas time. So Christmas does involve family and gift-giving and traveling to homes but never forget that it is the celebration of the Birth of Christ. A Christian holiday. A Holy Day.
7 comments:
I knew I would love that Christmas tree. I'm Looking for inspiration on mine.
And BTW thanks for keeping the true spirit.
Boycott Costco.
Most of my bulbs are Precious Moments which I have collected over the years. I don't think they make the glass bulbs anymore. I wish I could find more. I have a few Radko and special bulbs from Austria. There are some homemade from the kids and starched crocheted stars from my step-mom. A few handmade cards from an artist that my sister-in-law sent us several years ago.
Yes I agree with what you say....it is about gift giving, family and such but the true meaning and spirit is in Jesus. Thank you for the reminder.
Amen! I love your tree Junebug, it's so pretty! Have you heard about Advent Conspiracy? It's very much related to what you're talking about:
http://www.adventconspiracy.org/
=)
Here's the thing, if I was thinking about the birth of Christ, I'd be thinking about mid January. Yuletide is a celebration of life.
WT: Yes, the timing may not be correct but the day of celebration happens to be December 25th.
I must be channelling WT, but here's another nitpick. It was Mary and Joseph who were travelling, not really the Kiddo's parents, if you get my drift. I mean, Joseph was a righteous stepfather but not His father.
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