Let’s celebrate the true meaning of Christmas

How do we, as children of God, celebrate the true meaning of Christmas? The end of the year is in sight with Christmas and New Year around the corner – a time for festivities, family gatherings and extended visits back and forth.

No wonder the world promotes this time of the year as the Festive Season! But we know it is far more than that – it’s about the irreversible love of the Father for humankind. Through LOVE he sent Jesus Christ to earth so that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

John 3.16 NIV

Christians do not always agree on the finer details of Jesus’ birth, should there be a Christmas tree (or not). Should we buy presents? What about Christmas, Father? My wish for you and I this Christmas is that we stay focused on God’s unconditional love for us.

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Celebrating the true meaning of Christmas

Whether your table groans under all the flavoursome dishes that you spoil your family with or you decide the rituals around Christmas is not for you – let us celebrate the Father and his Son’s love. Let us set our differences aside and focus on the love that “bears all things”.

We don’t need Christmas lights, decorations and expensive dishes when Jesus is a reality in our lives. Martha learned this lesson very quickly. While she was busy preparing a meal for their special guests, she got upset with Mary. Sounds familiar? But Mary sat at the feet of Jesus and absorbed his presence to become filled spiritually.

I would probably also have reasoned like Martha – I want to spoil my guests… let them feel at home.

But Jesus sees it differently: To ‘eat’ spiritual food is a priority. Our bodies will eventually be fed, even if it takes a miracle such as the multiplying of the bread and fish. The crowd sat at his feet and got ‘fed’ spiritually before they ate – and there was more than enough food for the hungry crowd.

May we be like Mary this Christmas and keep our eyes fixed on Jesus.

If you need a word from God, fresh every morning, then take a look at The Word for Today and Die Woord vir Vandag. You can also stock up on spiritual food with our extensive podcast library on iono.com.

Written by Jean Lung.