When I was young, I had no idea what Christmas was really about. I enjoyed it for the lights, trees, and (especially) the presents. Overall though, I had no understanding of its significance. It’s not surprising that as a young boy that never went to church I would be confused about the nature of Christmas. On one hand, you hear about Santa and elves and gifts arriving from the north pole. And on the other hand, there’s this strange message you hear of a baby born of a virgin, lying in a manger. How do the two things relate?
Well, of course they do not relate. Santa riding his sleigh in the sky and coming down the chimney has zero to do with the actual meaning of Christmas. Just as an Easter Bunny has zero to do with the true meaning of Easter.
But, a boy growing up in this world really isn’t told that. In my case, I was told nothing.
But I’ve since learned (by the grace of God) that the true significance of Christmas, and it’s actual meaning is far more glorious, far more wonderful than all of the many things the world associates it with. A holy child, born of virgin, and lying in a manger is a billion times better than some old heavy man in a red suit that gives out gifts. It’s almost unbelievable that the world would prefer the make believe Santa and actively make the substitution of replacing the Almighty, Everlasting God, the King of kings, and Lord of lords, come to earth in the form of a little baby---with some character named Santa Clause. Yet, that’s exactly what the secular world has done to their own impoverishment.
Yes, the truth is, that Christmas is a merry time of year, because it is the time in which we remember that God is with His people:
Isaiah 7:14 Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.
Matthew 1:23 Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.
Christmas is also a merry time of the year because it is the time we remember God’s promise of sending the Son was fulfilled:
Isaiah 9:6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: ... and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counseller, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
2 Timothy 3:16 And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, ...
We say Merry Christmas! And Christmas, indeed, is a merry time that we celebrate. But we could also rightly say, “Merry God entered into the world to save His people day!”
Christmas is a merry time of year because it is the time we remember that God the Saviour came to demonstrate the salvation of His people:
Isaiah 43:11 I, even I, am the LORD; and beside me there is no saviour.
Luke 2:11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
Merry Christmas to all!