The True Meaning of Christmas – How Good Jesus Is

This month we’re celebrating Christmas or more importantly the birth of our savior, Jesus Christ. Over the years the true meaning of Christmas has been somewhat misplaced. It has become easy to focus on vacation days and receiving gifts rather than the true meaning of Christmas. We may even be overwhelmed by the image of Kris Kringle, elves and a giant red sleigh.

As a child I was a firm believer that Santa Claus was coming to town. And as an adult I’m still a lover of all things Christmas because it’s the best time of year. First and foremost, although we don’t know the exact day, every year at Christmas we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. Without Jesus… nothing would matter.

“And she will bring forth a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” – Matthew 1:21

The True Meaning of Christmas

Presently, families gather with excitement for decorating, carols, and movies. The holiday spirit is all around. Quality time with our family is great, but don’t overindulge in the presents, shopping and decorations. By doing this we take away from the true meaning of Christmas. Often by overindulging in the commercialized parts of the holiday we become overworked and stressed trying to make everything perfect. Standing in line for hours for that perfect gift, breaking the bank, or being so particular about decorations that everyone can’t participate in decorating. Not only does this take away from enjoying family and making memories….but we get wrapped up in these things and forget the reason for the season. Remember why we celebrate Christmas in the first place.

“Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, saying “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.'” – Matthew 2:1-2

“And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense and myrrh.” – Matthew 2:11

Why is Santa Claus So Appealing?

The fictional character of Santa Claus appeals so much to us because he seems unwittingly molded from the idea of Jesus Christ. I have thought over the years…what type of man would spend his time making sure every single kid in the world got a gift for Christmas? While there are some good people in the world, none are proficient enough to complete this task. Jesus is the only one I know capable of such kindness to treat everyone equally and want to take care of everyone. And He is the only one with such endurance and strength. Romans 2:11 says “For there is no respect of persons with God.” This means there is no favoritism with God.

“Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.” – Psalms 37:4 

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” – John 3:16

“No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father.” – John 10:18

Other Santa & Jesus Christ Comparisons 

Cheer, Peace and Love

Santa is a major do-gooder. He never forces good deeds, but he tries to teach lessons and bring Christmas spirit to everyone. Even to those who seem unlikely. The idea of Santa revolves around cheer, peace and love. We all know God is love. And the spirit of love is in us through God. He wishes us nothing but love, peace and everlasting life. “And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.” – 1 John 4:16

“Now the Lord of peace himself give you peace always by all means. The Lord be with you all.” –2 Thessalonians 3:16

Grace be with you, mercy, and peace, from God the Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love.” – 2 John 1:3

The North Pole … Heaven?

The north pole is always depicted as a place where wonderful, magical things happen. Santa Claus and his elves work in the North Pole year-round. They bring joy and peace to the world during the holidays. And no one actually know where or how to locate the north pole. Sound too familiar? We know where heaven is, but we haven’t been there or seen it. Its is a magnificent and wonderous place, like we’ve never seen before. The Holy Trinity and the angels in heaven work tirelessly to provide peace, protection and complete the work of God.

 ^“The Lord hath prepared his throne in the heavens; and his kingdom ruleth over all. Bless the Lord, ye his angels, that excel in strength, that do his commandments, hearkening unto the voice of his word. – Psalms 103: 19-20

“For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all ways.” – Psalms 91:11

“And the building of the wall of it was of jasper: and the city was pure gold, like unto clear glass. And the foundations of the wall of the city were garnished with all manner of precious stones. The first foundation was jasper; the second, sapphire; the third, a chalcedony; the fourth, an emerald;  The fifth, sardonyx; the sixth, sardius; the seventh, chrysolyte; the eighth, beryl; the ninth, a topaz; the tenth, a chrysoprasus; the eleventh, a jacinth; the twelfth, an amethyst. And the twelve gates were twelve pearls: every several gate was of one pearl: and the street of the city was pure gold, as it were transparent glass.” Revelation 21:18-21 To read more, click here. 

Traveling Around the World

Santa Claus travels the world on Christmas Eve to deliver presents in an impractical time frame. Jesus is Omnipresent; he’s present everywhere! All at the same time! He is the only one who is everywhere around the world, hearing the wishes and prayers of every person and delivering miracles. “Thus saith the LORD, The heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool: where is the house that ye build unto me? and where is the place of my rest?” – Isaiah 66:1

Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence? If I ascend into heaven, You are there;
If I make my bed in hell, behold, You are there. If I take the wings of the morning, And dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, Even there Your hand shall lead me, And Your right hand shall hold me. – Psalms 139:7-10

How They’re All-Knowing

The magical way Santa knows who everyone is and what they’ve been doing for the year…this is a talent that Jesus actually possesses. Jesus is omniscient; he knows each one of us personally. He knows our worries, joy and wishes. Most importantly, he knows our heart. The naughty and nice list that Santa compiles is very similar to the book of life that reflects our deeds on earth. “The eyes of the LORD are in every place, beholding the evil and the good.” Proverbs 15:3

“Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.” – Hebrew 4:13 

“He that overcomes, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.” Revelation 3:5

Why Did I Compare Jesus & Santa

This month we’re recognizing the birth of Jesus, which is the true meaning of Christmas. I have compared him to Santa Claus to remind you that we can see Jesus in all good things, even the tales of a holiday figure. It is us as people who chose to change the meaning of Christmas. This year, make sure you’re thinking of Jesus on Christmas morning and what he’s done for you throughout the year. We can’t repay the sacrifice of Jesus coming down to a world full of sin, knowing what life & death he’d have. There’s no gift as precious and as selfless a what Jesus gave.

We have so much to be thankful for! As you enjoy your holiday this year…remember that it’s not the gifts that count, but the love. “Master, which is the great commandment in the law? Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.” Matthew 22:36-40

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Check out awesome Christmas gift ideas for 1-year-olds by clicking here.

If you need gift ideas for him, please click here,

a gift for her, click here,

or

Check out my list of 20 Best Christmas Songs to cherish this holiday season!