Christmas lights twinkle everywhere, gifts pile up under beautifully decorated trees, and cheerful carols fill the air. Visitors come and go; Thanksgiving parties and family gatherings add to the festive atmosphere. The excitement of new bars and clubs, midnight church celebrations, and the aroma of various foods wafting through homes set the scene. There are trips both near and far. But pause for a moment—what is Christmas really about?
As a young person, have you ever wondered, “Is Christmas even for me? Does it actually matter?”
It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement—or perhaps even feel like an outsider to it all. For some, the holiday feels magical; for others, it’s just another day on the calendar. But Christmas holds something deeper beyond the frenzy of traditions and Instagram-worthy moments.
Let’s take a moment to look beyond the surface and examine the true essence of Christmas. Is it merely about the hype, or is there something genuine, meaningful, and personal that you can gain from it? Let’s explore this together from a Christian perspective.
Reflecting on Salvation Beyond Christmas Day
Have you ever considered how salvation transforms your life beyond Christmas Day? What would it look like if we celebrated salvation daily, not just once a year? Is Christmas truly necessary?
The challenge for Christians today is to move beyond merely celebrating Christmas as a festive tradition. It’s a call for deeper faith, reflection, and alignment with God’s mission. This involves understanding who Christ is, recognizing what we become through His sacrifice, and contemplating how our life perspective changes, culminating in the hope of eternal life.
Youth Perspectives on Christmas
Through research, I discovered what many young people think about Christmas. While some see it as a time for family, friends, and holiday traditions, others find a deeper or alternative significance. Here are some quotes:
- “Christmas is my favorite time of year because I get to see my family and friends, eat good food, and exchange gifts.” – Sarah, 23
- “I love the holiday spirit and decorations during Christmas time. It’s a time to be merry and enjoy the company of loved ones.” – John, 25
- “I don’t celebrate Christmas, but I still enjoy the holiday season. I like seeing all the lights and decorations around town; the atmosphere changes.” – Ruto, 27
- “Christmas is a time to reflect on the past year and look forward to the future. It’s also a time to give back to the community and help those in need.” – Michael, 24
- “We celebrate Christ’s birth at Christmas, but I struggle to fully understand it and often get vague answers to my many questions. For now, I’m just going with the flow.” – AnnSusan, 21
Rethinking Christmas
As we approach the Christmas season, many of us find ourselves immersed in familiar celebrations—family gatherings, exchanging gifts, and remembering the birth of Jesus. Christmas has been a time of joy, warmth, and tradition for centuries. However, as Christians, there comes a point when we need to reflect deeper on the true meaning of Christmas and how it should impact our lives today.
While Christmas originally started as a day to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, its meaning and significance have evolved over the years. However, many believers still find themselves celebrating Christmas in a way that is often disconnected from the transformative message of the gospel. The question that arises is: How can we move beyond the traditions of Christmas and embrace its true purpose—one that transforms our lives and aligns with God’s mission for the world?
The Historical Meaning of Christmas
To truly understand Christmas, we need to peel back the layers of its unexpected origins. The celebration of Jesus’ birth wasn’t always a part of the Christian tradition. It wasn’t until the 4th century that Christmas was officially recognized, with December 25th chosen to coincide with ancient pagan festivals marking the winter solstice. The Church sought to “Christianize” existing celebrations by replacing pagan rituals with Christian ones. For instance, festivities honoring the “Unconquered Sun” were reframed to honor Jesus Christ, the “Light of the World.” This strategic move helped to diminish the influence of pagan religions while reinforcing Christian theology. Over time, what began as a spiritual observance merged with cultural customs, creating the vibrant, festive holiday we know today.
Originally, the day was meant to honor the Incarnation of Christ—God becoming flesh and dwelling among us (John 1:14). The birth of Jesus marked the beginning of God’s redemptive work on earth, offering salvation to humanity. This is the essence of Christmas: recognizing that God sent His Son to save the world, and His birth was the first step toward fulfilling that mission.
However, as centuries passed, Christmas became increasingly associated with secular traditions, incorporating pagan practices and emphasizing materialism—gift-giving, feasts, festive decorations, and more. While these traditions are not inherently wrong, they have often overshadowed the deeper spiritual meaning of the holiday.
The Growing Need for a Deeper Understanding of Christmas
As Christians, we are called to “grow in our faith” and “mature in our understanding” of the gospel. This spiritual growth involves moving beyond the basics of faith and embracing the deeper truths of God’s Word.
Christmas should no longer be viewed merely as a day of remembrance. Instead, it should become a time of transformation—a chance to reflect on how Christ is “actively working in our lives” and “how we can fulfill His purpose for us.”
Moving from Historical Commemoration to Personal Transformation
For many Christians, Christmas is often seen as a historical event—a time to remember the birth of Jesus. But for those who have embraced Christ’s death and resurrection—His ultimate sacrifice for our sins—Christmas should be more than just a reminder of His birth. It should reflect our ongoing transformation in Christ.
Jesus came not only to be born but to live, die, and rise again for our salvation. When we approach Christmas with personal reflection and renewal, we start to ask deeper questions: How has Christ changed me? What does salvation mean for me today?
Christmas reminds us that Jesus’ birth was only the beginning of a greater story—a story of redemption, healing, and renewal for all creation. Amid the festivities and traditions, one must ponder a deeper question: Are we truly changing, or has Christmas become just another day of celebration, leaving the world unchanged?
Christmas as a Global Call
The significance of Christmas goes beyond personal reflection. As Christians, we are part of a global movement spreading the gospel and working to fulfill God’s mission on earth. With over 2 billion Christians worldwide, Christmas should remind us of our shared purpose—to spread the love of Christ and share the message of salvation with a world in need.
It is a time to remember that Christ’s birth was the beginning of a larger story—one that includes our role in the Great Commission: “Go and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19). Christmas should unite us as believers, not only in our local communities but also as part of the universal Church, working together to bring hope to the world.
If Christians are the majority, this transformation should be felt everywhere—in governments, workplaces, communities, and systems. The principles of love, justice, mercy, and peace taught by Christ should guide our actions and shape our societies, policies, and processes. The true impact of Christmas would then be reflected in how the world operates—through transformed relationships, equitable systems, and righteous leadership.
The gospel, when fully embraced, has the power to transform not just individuals but also the very structures of society itself. Christmas should remind us that we are called to be salt and light, influencing every area of life with the love and truth of Christ.
From Milk to Solid Food: Growing in Our Understanding
The Bible speaks about the need for Christians to move from “milk” to “solid food” (Hebrews 5:12-14). Similarly, Christmas invites us to grow in our faith—not merely celebrating a historical event, but embracing the fullness of God’s purpose in our lives.
It is a time to do an inventory of Christ’s revelation and growth in our lives—reflecting spiritually, physically, and socially. Christmas challenges us to ask: How am I living out the gospel today? How can I participate in God’s mission in the world?
Understanding Christmas means surrendering ourselves to the true gospel, moving beyond superficial traditions, and focusing on the deeper meaning of Christ’s birth. By embracing the gospel, we allow it to transform our spirit and life, understanding that Christmas is not just about celebration. It is about reflecting on Christ’s incarnation and sacrifice and living out this identity.
Conclusion: A New Meaning for Christmas
Christmas, when viewed through the lens of transformation and purpose, becomes more than just a day of celebration—it becomes a reminder that the birth of Jesus was only the beginning of God’s redemptive plan for the world. As Christians, we are called to embrace that mission, reflect on our personal transformation in Christ, and actively participate in spreading the love and message of Christ to a world in desperate need.
Let us move beyond the traditions of Christmas and embrace the deeper meaning of the season—a time that signifies more than just a single day of celebration. Let Christmas become a moment of personal renewal, a chance to recommit to God’s purpose for our lives, and an opportunity to live out the gospel in practical ways. This is the Christmas worth celebrating—a celebration that transforms us, calls us to action, and shapes the world around us through the power of God’s love.
So How Do We Redefine Christmas? Because It’s Here to Stay
Christmas should be a celebration for everyone—regardless of their material abundance. No one should ever feel excluded because they lack gifts to exchange, nor should anyone feel left out if they don’t receive anything or if no one visits them.
The true essence of Christmas goes far beyond the act of giving and receiving; it’s about nurturing a spirit of unity, love, and transformation. It’s not about what you materially have, but about sharing what truly matters—hope, kindness, and a deeper connection with one another. After all, no one is too poor to give.
The beauty of Christmas lies in its ability to transcend money, status, and material possessions. Whether you give a physical gift or simply offer your time, a kind word, or a prayer, it’s the intention behind your offering that matters. Everyone has something to give, and that is the true essence of Christmas—generosity that comes from the abundance of a growing soul and spirit.
The Wealth of Spirit
Let the Christmas season signify the culmination of spiritual abundance—an opportunity for reflection on the values cultivated out of the grace of salvation: love, faith, hope, reconciliation, and gratitude. This period encourages generosity, kindness, forgiveness, and meaningful connections, reminding us that genuine wealth resides in the principles we uphold in our lives and the relationships we cultivate.
The celebration of Christmas should inspire us to acknowledge the intangible benefits of life that bring joy, hope, and significance—representing the profound impact of Jesus’ birth on the world. While material wealth can contribute positively to our experiences, it is ultimately the richness of spirit that provides lasting fulfillment and purpose.
Christmas: A Reminder of Salvation
Christmas is an invitation to experience the fullness of life that the journey of salvation brings. It’s a reminder that no matter where you are in life, you qualify for the grace of salvation. Through Jesus, we receive the opportunity to live with purpose and peace, knowing that His presence brings transformation and miracles beyond human understanding.
Salvation isn’t just about overcoming challenges—it’s about embracing the new life and identity Christ offers. It empowers us to grow and become better in every aspect of our lives, knowing we are not alone through all 365 (or 366) days of the year. Christmas calls us to open our hearts to this gift, live fully in the grace that Jesus Christ brings, and celebrate the common bond of humanity by seeing the value in others.
So… Is Christmas Necessary?
To you, young people, the question isn’t whether Christmas is necessary—it’s about how you choose to view and live it.
The heart of Christmas isn’t in the gifts, parties, or traditions, but in the truth it represents: salvation (saved from sin and its consequences), hope, grace, and eternal life through Jesus Christ.
The celebration of Christmas can be meaningful if it drives us closer to God, reminding us of the gift of salvation and the call to live with purpose. But this is where you come in: How does it shape your life? Does it inspire you to reflect on your faith, realign with God’s purpose, and live a life that transforms the world around you? Or has it become just another day filled with routine?
A Call to Redefine Christmas
As the next generation of believers, you hold the power to redefine what Christmas means. It’s more than a tradition; it’s an opportunity to reflect on your journey and growth with God and to consider how that journey impacts your family, your community, and the world.
So, is it necessary? The answer is both yes and no. Christmas is not just about festive celebrations, and your journey with God doesn’t come to a halt if you choose not to observe it. However, Christmas serves an important purpose on both a personal and global level. It is a precious opportunity to pause from our busy lives, reflect on our experiences, and realign ourselves with the mission of Christ.
The season invites us to contemplate the values and teachings that guide us and to reconnect with the essence of repentance, compassion, love, and hope it embodies. Let Christmas be the spark that ignites a lifelong transformation within you—making a difference not just for a season, but for eternity.
The choice is yours: Will you leave it as just another “world’s happy day,” or will you rise and live out the true essence of what Christmas represents?
Prayer
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for the gift of salvation and for guiding me on this journey of faith. Thank You for Jesus’ incarnation, bringing hope and redemption to me. Help me to grow, become better, and live a life that reflects Your purpose every day. May You keep me safe for eternal life.
In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
Hey, I’m Angeline, your RN and founder of Finally Am Found. With a heart for mentorship, I’ve been guiding teens and young adults since 2017. As a Registered Nurse, I blend medical expertise with personal experiences to create a Christ-aligned space for self-discovery. Connect with Angeline on Facebook and let the journey to self-discovery begin!
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