The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace

(Isaiah 9:6, NKJV)

When someone says Christmas, what do you imagine? Do you see candy canes and Christmas trees? Do you think of your favorite holiday movies or Christmas carols? Do you think of the family traditions your family has or opening gifts on Christmas morning? I think these are all things we associate with Christmas, myself included.  We say Christmas is a special time of year, because it is filled with holiday spirit. We decorate our houses with lights and give gifts to one another. Big words like “Believe” or “Joy” are posted. We sing songs like, “It’s the most wonderful time of the year?” Why is it?

I believe that a lot of us get so caught up in the Hallmark traditions that we forget the real reason for Christmas. When someone says Christmas our minds do not go directly to the true meaning, the gift of Jesus, the son of God, coming down to Earth. The world has done an amazing job stealing the holiday that celebrates the birth of Jesus. If I were to take a poll of my classroom about who Santa is, I know that the majority of my kids could tell me that he wears a red and white suit, lives at the North Pole, has reindeer, and gives presents to the good boys and girls. Sadly, I don't think the majority of my students would know that Jesus was born in Bethlehem, in a stable, from the virgin Mary, or even the reason he came down to Earth.  We know because of John 3:16 that God loved us so much that He sent his son to die on a cross, so we could be redeemed from sin and have a relationship with our father. Jesus came and gave us the ultimate, everlasting gift of salvation. Because of Jesus, we can now have eternity in heaven. Because of Jesus bridging the gap between God and sin we now can know God and have a relationship with him that gives us hope and joy. True joy. 

Romans 15:13 tells us, “Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." (Romans 15:13, NKJV) The God of hope fills us with abundant joy and peace through our faith. No matter what trials we face, the Holy Spirit gives us a source of hope and strength. This is a promise of the unshakable hope found in God. 

 I share this to remind us that Christmas is not about Santa, candy canes, reindeer, presents, or magic. Christmas is the celebration of Jesus coming to Earth. As we go through this holiday season, have fun with family and do the fun traditions, but I remind you to remember the true meaning of the holiday.  Jesus, the one who brought the true light. Not the plug in ones on the outside of your house. Jesus, the one who gives joy unspeakable and full of glory. Not the same kind of joy your child feels when they find their Elf on the Shelf in the morning. Jesus, the one who brought the ultimate gift of salvation. Not the kind of gifts that Santa brings. Be more concerned about your house being filled with the Holy Spirit and not the spirit of Christmas. Spend time being thankful for the gift that is everlasting. Jesus.  

References:

New King James Version. Bible Gateway, 2025 https://www.biblegateway.com/