Jingle Bells Abroad: True Meaning of Christmas

By Ianpassion

When you are abroad especially in a far country, miles away from big cities, Christmas might not be an unimportant event. Villagers may think that Christmas is a western celebration about Santa Claus, the Christmas tree, and jingle bells. Having no theological foundation for Christmas may fall following unscriptural traditions or copying rituals from others.

Here I discuss three important basic points which Christmas is not all about. I hope that after reading this, you may reflect again on the true meaning of Christmas and realign yourself back to the real essence of the celebration.  

1. It is Not About Santa

Christmas is not about Santa Claus. Many misunderstood that Christmas is all about him, a white guy with a long white beard, wearing a red suit, and having a loud laugh. I think not only do the villagers believe this, even some people in the other countries still believe that Christmas is about Santa Claus. Many teach their kids about him, his socks filled with candies, and who is giving gifts. There is nothing wrong with having Santa Claus during Christmas. I respect him. He exists in history, and he is good. However, when He is elevated higher than the Son, Christmas becomes Santamas. 

What is the most important in this season is to know the original meaning of Christmas? The nativity gave us a good reflection on this. However, based on what I have observed, the scene of the nativity is totally out in many important places. What I notice most of the time are Christmas trees, Santa Claus, and jingle bells music. You know what, there is no season like this if the Deity did not come in human flesh (John 1:14). The celebration boiled down through Him which is passed from generation to generation. The joy, love, and giving that go along in this season is because of Him. He is the reason for the season.

2. It Is Not About Decoration

Some are very fanatic about Christmas decors. They want very high Christmas trees, expensive lights, costly bells, decorated reindeer, etc.…, for which they spend lots of money. When I was young, I passed by a mansion with its garage, walls, ceiling, plants, and trees fully decorated with colorful lights. Not only was that, in the middle of its garden, there was also a 40 feet Christmas tree with beautiful illuminations and ornaments. So stunning to stare at. Very beautiful. Illumination from colorful Christmas lights made the dark night lively and sparkling.

On the other hand, I reflected more on the meaningful spending for Christmas. There is nothing wrong with beautiful decorations, but if we spend lots of thousands only on decors; then that is something that we need to rethink again. The birth of the Son could be in a royal palace; instead, He chose a manger, a humble place for his birthplace (Luke 2:7). Something to reflect on here. Instead, our money goes more on classy adornments; why not spend those for gifts, and to share our blessings with the needy. There is no greater joy to make somebody feel the love this Christmas.

3. It is Not About Me

It is totally out of the celebration the true reason for the event if you eventually make yourself the center of the season. As you have a good time with your friends or with your family, or as you are shopping, spending your holiday in nature, and enjoying your meals for this Christmas, do not neglect the most important time with the Father. Praise Him for this season of joy, love, and giving.

You might be thinking that this is an old fashion belief, but come to ponder: What if the Son was not born? What if He offered salvation without His incarnation? Our Father is not only concerned with our redemption but as well as our happiness. He knew that through His birth He could express more of His love and share happiness with humanity.  What the Angel proclaimed that the Son’s birth would cause great joy for all the people is fulfilled (Luke 2:10). This season is about the begotten Son, so the focus is on Him, not on us.

As Christmas day is unfolding, find ways to glorify the Father and reflect the birth of His Son. As I mentioned earlier, without His incarnation in human flesh, there is no joy, love, and giving in this season.  He dwells among us. He is the main reason for the season. Thank Him and praise Him for His love and sharing happiness with us. Merry Christmas. 



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