I love this time of year, celebrating birthdays and holidays with family and those I love! Everything about it brings me joy. From the craziness of shopping, wrapping, giving and cooking, it’s all so exciting to me. But what is the true purpose of Christmas? The most important, and best part of the Christmas season is remembering and celebrating Jesus. I am thankful I am free to believe in Christmas.
Many people around the world celebrate different religious and national holidays this time of year; I say to them, I hope you enjoy your holiday with family and friends as much as I do.
Thinking of how many different religions there are, and how many different holidays there are, I can’t help but remember that we are all entitled to celebrate what we believe; I don’t think it’s right to take that privilege away from anyone. It’s not right for society to take my Christ out of Christmas, just as it’s not right for me to force someone to celebrate the birth of Jesus like I do.
We are free to believe!
Free To Worship God
In the same way, I don’t think it’s right to take prayer out of our schools in a country that was founded on God. Taking a moment to appreciate our God without forcing others to participate should be encouraged, not eliminated. If I visited another country, I would not participate in their worship, but I would respect their religion, as well as how they govern their society.
With that in mind, I will always share the love of God and the salvation Jesus brings with people who will listen. I can’t help it, because he is Good! However, if they choose not to hear it (or believe as I do), that’s their prerogative. I don’t force my agenda, and neither should others. After all, God doesn’t force us to love or believe in Him, that’s why He gave us a free will when He created us.
We are free to worship our God, as others are free to express their beliefs!
To Have A Christmas Tree or Not
Also, around this time of year there are other controversial subjects even among Christians: Santa and Christmas trees. As parents, we brought up our children with the story of Saint Nicholas/ Santa Claus, even though some family members and friends didn’t. Some people will say that it’s a lie that takes away from the true meaning of Christmas (and it can be, if we let it!). But, my opinion is that it’s our responsibility as parents to keep Christ in Christmas every day of the year. Its our duty to teach our children about God, and what He has done for us. It’s also the parents responsibility to teach their children how to live life with His love in their hearts.
As far as a Christmas tree being right or wrong – I think if a tree is just a decoration, that’s exactly what it is, a decoration! I’ve never truly understood the debate on this one. After all, there are many other things people can worship, and that is between God and that person.
With that being said, I will continue to celebrate Jesus on Christmas, and every other day of the year, as well as the traditions we have built over time with our family. Whether you celebrate Christmas, Kwanzaa, Hanukkah or any other holiday, I wish you all the very best! Have fun these holidays, and enjoy one another in love!
We are free to choose love, just as God loves us!
What is the true purpose of Christmas for you?
“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6).
Related Posts: “Christmas Traditions” & “Jesus Is Christmas“
