by Shannon Wagers

 

The song, “This Christmas,” performed by Donny Hathaway, has become a beloved holiday classic since its release in 1970. Its enduring appeal lies not only in its catchy melody, but also in the warmth and sincerity of Hathaway’s vocal delivery. Many say that it captures the essence of the Christmas spirit in America today.

 

As we find ourselves surrounded by twinkling lights and festive cheer during the Christmas season, I urge you to pause and reflect on the true meaning of this celebration. While the holiday trappings bring joy and nostalgia, the heart of Christmas lies in the transformative message that has the power to change lives. Let’s explore how we can embrace and share this profound truth.

 

Keep Christ at the Center

At its core, Christmas commemorates the virgin birth of Jesus Christ—the moment when God himself entered human history. This event fulfills God’s promise to send a Savior, marking a pivotal point when Heaven descended to Earth. The Apostle John beautifully captures this in his Gospel: “So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son” (John 1:14, NLT).

 

The Christmas narrative can be understood through three key elements:

  1. The Cradle: Representing Jesus’ humble beginnings
  2. The Cross: Symbolizing his ultimate sacrifice for all humankind
  3. The Crown: Signifying his victory and eternal reign

 

This profound story is the true heart of Christmas, a message that, when embraced, has the power to transform lives. Amidst messages about consumerism and holiday cheer, the true meaning can become obscured. As Christians, we must ensure that the life-changing message of Christmas remains at the forefront.

 

The apostle Paul reminds us of the importance of focusing on Christ: “For in Christ lives all the fullness of God in a human body. So you also are complete through your union with Christ, who is the head over every ruler and authority” (Colossians 2:9, 10, NLT). This starts with a personal commitment to keeping Christ at the center of our own celebrations.

 

Christmas provides unique opportunities to share the gospel. Here are some ways to ensure the true meaning reaches those who need to hear it:

  • Make it About Jesus: Remind yourself and others that Christmas is about Jesus’ birth.
  • Listen and Share: Be open to questions and share what Christmas means to you.
  • Show Kindness: Volunteer in some tangible way or help others to spread love this season.

 

Remember Jesus’ words: “You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden” (Matthew 5:14, NLT). Let your actions and words shine the light of Christ this season.

 

Share the Message of God’s Love and Peace

One of the most powerful aspects of the Christmas message is the proclamation of peace. The angels announced, “Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased” (Luke 2:14, NLT). This peace is primarily about reconciliation between God and humanity.

 

Paul explains this reconciliation in his letter to the Colossians: “For God in all his fullness was pleased to live in Christ, and through him God reconciled everything to himself. He made peace with everything in heaven and on earth by means of Christ’s blood on the cross” (Colossians 1:19, 20, NLT).

 

That’s what this lyric from the Christmas carol, “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing,” refers to: “Peace on earth and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled.”

 

Ultimately, Christmas is a story of God’s unconditional love for humanity. John 3:16 encapsulates this beautifully: “For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life” (NLT).

 

This love prompted God to humble himself, becoming human to rescue us from our sinful nature. Paul describes this in Philippians 2:6-8, “Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross” (NLT).

 

Before we can effectively share the good news, we must ensure we’ve truly embraced it ourselves. The shepherds in Luke 2 didn’t merely hear the angels; they acted on the message, going to Bethlehem, and then glorifying God.

 

To embrace the heart of Christmas:

  • Pause for Worship: Reflect on Christ’s birth and God’s love. Read the Christmas narratives in Luke 2 and Matthew 1, 2.
  • Pray for Renewal: Ask God to renew your awe and gratitude for the gift of his Son.
  • Celebrate with Purpose: Align your family traditions with the gospel, keeping Christ central.

 

Live Out the Message

As the wise men demonstrated in Matthew 2, we can embody the Christmas message through our actions. This season, echo their devotion by practicing generosity, pursuing reconciliation, and living with joy. Like the shepherds and the wise men, may we respond to the news of Jesus’ birth with awe, action, and adoration. And may our response inspire others to encounter the Christ child for themselves, discovering the life-changing power of Emmanuel—God with us.

 

Paul encourages us: “And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father” (Colossians 3:17, NLT).

 

Christmas is the story of a Savior who entered our broken world to bring redemption and hope. It’s a message the world needs to hear—not just in December—but every day.

 

This Christmas, be intentional about pointing others to the One who is the true reason for the season. It is a time-tested truth that the Christmas season presents a unique opportunity when many of your friends and neighbors would be most receptive to an invitation to attend church with you. Invite them to join with you in our theme this month, “Unwrapping Christmas.” If you missed last Sunday’s teaching from our senior pastor, you can check it out here, and share with your friends this link.

 

Let’s not just celebrate, let’s make it a season of proclamation. Share the transformative message of Christ’s birth with folks you know who are in desperate need of hope and redemption.

 

Shannon Wagers is Talent Development HR Manager for Procter and Gamble, sharing his talent as a Master Facilitator, growing the P&G leaders of today and tomorrow. Shannon resides in Liberty Township with his wife Ruth, daughter Katherine, and dog Bear.