Christmas Day, Time to Reflect on These 3 Things

When I was little, Christmas Day was a special day. Besides receiving many gifts from Sunday school, I was also treated to many attractions such as dramas, Christmas songs, Santa Claus, and dances.

Christmas Day was also synonymous with new clothes. So every time Christmas approached, I would look forward to what new clothes I would wear.

After becoming an adult, Christmas took on a different meaning. This time Christmas became synonymous with going on vacation. As December 25 approached, I started planning my year-end holiday. 

With the pandemic nearly over, Christmas has taken on a new meaning as well. After it was impossible to travel for two years, many people consider Christmas an opportunity to indulge themselves. To have fun and enjoy life after being shut in for so long.

But is Christmas really only associated with such things? 

Christmas Day Teaches Us to Be Grateful

2 Corinthians 9:15 Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift

Let us look at 4 important lessons from the true meaning of Christmas Day.

Christmas Day this year is a different Christmas from the previous two Christmas seasons. Back then almost all of us celebrated Christmas only by looking at screens on our phones or laptops. Unable to look at one another and exchange greetings or hugs. 

Until one time before offline services were allowed in my city, I remember watching a 2021 Christmas service at a church via YouTube.

I remember how moved my heart was to see the congregation able to meet face to face, greet one another, and sing Christmas songs together. It was truly beautiful after being restricted by the pandemic for so long.

Writing this reminds me to be grateful, especially on this Christmas Day. Two things I am thankful for: God accompanied me and protected me, and God came into the world to redeem my sin.

God has come into the world, becoming human just like us, simply so that He could understand us, know us, feel what we feel, and in the end save me and you. 

Christmas is not only about celebrations, gifts, or being with loved ones. All of that is good, but far more than that, Christmas Day is the day when we are reminded always to be grateful. Both for the forgiveness He gives and for His presence in this life.

Christmas Day Reminds Us of the Greatness of God's Love

John 3:16 For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life

I have two sons. To me they are everything in my life. I cannot love anyone else as much as I love and cherish them. I would not trade them for anything, because they are precious in my life.

God the Father surely loves His only Son, Jesus, just as I love my children.

Yet God's desire to be close to us is so strong that He was willing to sacrifice Jesus. God gave His Son for us, simply so that we might receive eternal life!

So Christmas Day is proof of how greatly God loves us. We are so dearly loved by Him, even beyond His love for His only Son!

If today you feel less loved or even unloved, remember that God has loved you first, more than anyone else in this world.

Christmas Day Teaches Us to Sacrifice

Romans 8:32 He who did not spare His own Son,  but gave Him up for us all, how will He not also graciously give us all things together with Him?

Christmas Day is not only a great celebration for Christians. It is not only about the Christmas traditions that are usually observed. Christmas Day also teaches us to sacrifice.

Just as God sacrificed His Son for us, so we too must sacrifice. For whom? Sacrifice for God and for others.

On that day, we should also reflect, “If God has sacrificed so much for me, am I willing to sacrifice for God as well?” for example:

• Are we willing to be given responsibility to lead in our cell group / small group?
• Are we willing to take up ministry in church? 
• Are we willing to serve one another?
• Are we willing to love people who are difficult to love?

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Now, may Christmas this year become far more memorable and meaningful. The celebration and the holiday will pass, but may the meaning of Christmas Day remain in our hearts.

Let us also learn to be grateful, remembering how deeply we are loved by Him, and do not forget to have a heart willing to sacrifice like Jesus. 

Related Articles:

• 3 Christmas Messages for Us
• The Best Christmas Gift of All Time
• Is a Beautiful Christmas Celebration Wrong?
• Looking for Baby Jesus: Am I One of the Magi or King Herod? (Part 1)
• Tips for a Fun and Meaningful Holiday

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