![The nativity scence of baby Jesus with Joseph and Mary.](/uploads/2/1/4/4/21449656/584021452.jpg?187)
The holidays are a great time to spend time with family. The air is filled with joy, caroling and sentimentality. People unwrap presents from loved ones. However, is that really what Christmas is about? What is the actual purpose?
We, the Arise Team, shared what Christmas means to us as individuals. Also, we shared our perspectives on what Christmas should really be about.
We, the Arise Team, shared what Christmas means to us as individuals. Also, we shared our perspectives on what Christmas should really be about.
Olu: To me, Christmas is a day selected to reflect on the marvelous birth of the One who saved us. Although giving and bringing together family is good, I don't think that's what Christmas is about. Without Christ, Christmas is just one big MAS! (mess). Trees, lights, tinsel and presents are nice, but they mean nothing. Christmas is about praising God for the miraculous birth of our King.
Patricia: What I think of Christmas is that it is a day to acknowledges our Savior and Lord's coming into this world. Most people take Christmas for granted. Most people do not realize that with Jesus coming into this world, He creates a new way to live with Him forever in eternity. Yes, Christmas is celebrating by coming together as a family and spending time with each other. However, that's not what it should be about. Christmas should also be about appreciating the love Jesus showed us by leaving His glory and coming into our world to die for us. So go out there, and appreciate the love Jesus showed you!
Precious: Christmas is a season of giving. It's a time where we share with the less unfortunate. Many people won't get anything this year because of their situation. We should be there to lend a hand out. It's also a time to reflect on the true Giver: Jesus Christ. He laid down His life for all and did it out of pure love. We need to be like Jesus, the true Giver. To be honest, if you think about it, you don't need anything this year. You have a family, good health, food, clothes, education, and a bright future. However, you aren't better than the homeless people. So don't judge, share. Be a light to this dark world.
Eunice: To me, Christmas signals to me that the year is coming to an end. It alerts me that once again, the year has flown by in a flash, and there is a week until we welcome the new year. It amazes me when I pick up my Bible, and I re-read snippets of Christ’s life on Earth. I have the basic gist of Jesus’ life: He was born through a virgin, He called others to follow Him, and He died on the cross. But when I stop and really think of that, I find His life amazing. I think to myself, “About 2000 years ago, all of this actually happened. Angels actually ministered unto Joseph, Mary and the shepherds. God actually came down to Earth as a sacrifice for me and you.”
When I think about that, I sometimes wonder if Jesus was thinking of me when during His life on Earth. After all, God had said to Jeremiah the prophet that “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you…” (Jeremiah 1:5). So, did He know me too? Did He also count me as someone worth dying for? So when I celebrate Christmas with my friends and family, I wonder if I’m thinking of God as much as I should like He was thinking of me.
I really wonder...
When I think about that, I sometimes wonder if Jesus was thinking of me when during His life on Earth. After all, God had said to Jeremiah the prophet that “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you…” (Jeremiah 1:5). So, did He know me too? Did He also count me as someone worth dying for? So when I celebrate Christmas with my friends and family, I wonder if I’m thinking of God as much as I should like He was thinking of me.
I really wonder...
What does Christmas mean to you? Feel free to share. Merry Christmas from the Arise Team!