The Meaning of the Christmas Season: Finding Peace & Hope
Reflecting on Christmas
What does the Christmas season mean to you? It is easy to become absorbed in decorating our homes, attending parties, exchanging gifts, enjoying delicious food, and spending time with family and friends. With so many activities and distractions, we may sometimes lose sight of what Christmas truly represents.
The Beginning of the Christmas Story
The story of Christmas began more than two thousand years ago in the city of Nazareth. A young woman named Mary received an extraordinary message: she would give birth to the long-awaited Messiah. Initially, Mary was troubled and confused by this news, as she was not yet married. However, the Angel Gabriel assured her that this was the will of God, and that the child to be born would be called "the Son of God." This miraculous event fulfilled a prophecy spoken long before by the prophet Isaiah: "The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Emmanuel, which means God with us." (Matthew 1:23) Demonstrating remarkable faith, Mary responded to Gabriel, saying, "may your word to me be fulfilled" (Matthew 1:38).
The Nativity: A Familiar Story
Many people are familiar with the Christmas story as described in the book of Matthew and in the book of Luke in the Bible. Jesus was born and placed in a humble manger. Angels announced the Good News to shepherds, who then came to worship Jesus. Wise men from distant lands learned of the Messiah’s birth and traveled a great distance to honor Him. Jesus was the promised Savior, bringing hope and a solution to a broken world—a message that remains just as meaningful today as it did then.
The Message of Emmanuel
As the year draws to a close, Christmas offers us a profound message: Emmanuel, God with us. The One who resided in heaven, equal and eternal with God the Father and the Holy Spirit, willingly entered our world. He breathed our air, felt our pain, shared in our sorrows, and ultimately died for our sins. He did not come to frighten us, but rather to show us the way to warmth, safety, and a peace that surpasses all understanding (Charles Swindoll).
The True Focus of Christmas
While there is much more to the Christmas story, it is important during this busy season to set aside the decorations, parties, gifts, food, and even time with loved ones for a few moments. Take time to reflect on what Christmas truly means. Let God be exalted, and may we see the child in the manger for who He really is—the Savior. He offers the peace and hope that so many of us search for. Emmanuel, God with us, the Savior of the world.
A Christmas Wish
To everyone who has joined me at St. Johns Women's Counseling & Therapy throughout this past year: May you and your family and friends have a very Merry Christmas and a truly blessed New Year. I look forward to seeing you in the coming year for some fun and exciting events that will be posted in January.
