Are you having a hard time connecting with God during the Christmas season? If so, you’re not alone. The holidays can be a joyous time, but they can also be a time of deep sadness and stress when you feel far from God. What’s going on?
The world seems like it’s on fire these days, with controversies, politics, tragedies, and wars raging all around. Many of us feel the pinch of hard economic times, job loss, and more.
The holiday season is a time of overwhelming rushing, lights, music, and excitement. It’s a busy time of baking, shopping, and decorating. Amidst all this, it’s easy to lose sight of the true meaning of Christmas, and you may feel very far from God during this time.
Yet, if we look beyond all this activity, we find the deeper, more lasting significance of Christmas—celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ, and anticipating His second coming.
Holiday Season Struggles
Christmas, in the secular world, has become hugely commercialized. The focus is on giving and receiving costly gifts, travel, hosting the ideal family gathering, and more. We’re expected to trim the house extravagantly with lights outside and indoors, have a fantastically huge Christmas tree, and have fantastic food. In some households, even the gerbil may have a stocking! That’s cute, and it’s OK. But the commercialization of this holiday places a huge burden on each of us.
The commercialization of Christmas, with its focus on shopping and materialism, can quickly leave us feeling empty and disconnected from the deeper meaning of the holiday. We may also feel far from God.
Christmas can sometimes also be a reminder of what’s missing in your life. We may have lost loved ones, financial security, or emotional peace (maybe all three). The holiday season may bring up feelings of isolation, loneliness, and sadness, especially when family dynamics are strained.
It’s difficult when the festive atmosphere feels like a harsh contrast to our personal struggles. Yet, we continue to be bombarded with the message that Christmas is about those perfect moments and perfect gifts. We may find ourselves overwhelmed and discouraged, longing for something deeper.
But when we put the focus on the true significance of the holiday, we discover the heart of Christmas. The birth of Jesus Christ offers us a deeper sense of hope and peace in our imperfect world.
The Deeper Meaning of Christmas: The Birth of Christ
The real meaning of Christmas lies in the humble birth of Jesus Christ, God’s Son, who came into the world as a baby. He came to save us all from sin and death. In the midst of all the worldly distractions at Christmas, it is this profound event that we celebrate.
The Bible tells us in Matthew 1:21 NKJV, “And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” Christ’s birth was the fulfillment of God’s promise to send a Savior. As we celebrate Christmas, we remember that Jesus came not just as a baby, but as the promised Messiah—Emanuel, which means “God with us” (Matthew 1:23).
The Christmas story reminds us that God stepped into our world in the most unexpected way. The Creator, our Sovereign God who rules over all, entered into human history as a helpless baby. Christ was born in a humble stable to a young couple (Mary and Joseph) in a small town called Bethlehem.
This story invites us to embrace humility, simplicity, and grace. Each of these qualities is often overshadowed by the busyness of the holiday season. Yet this is the most important message we can receive at Christmas.
The Struggles of the First Christmas
Think of what Mary and Joseph had to go through in the run-up to the birth of Jesus. Mary had an out-of-this-world visit from the angel Gabriel. At the time, she was betrothed to Joseph. They were not yet married. The angel told Mary she was highly favored by God and that she would bear a son—the Messiah. But she had not been with a man. How could she explain this to Joseph and her family? (Read Luke 1).
Joseph likewise had to deal with the stress of finding Mary was pregnant before they were married. The Law said he could divorce her, but then she might be stoned as an adulteress. Joseph had to struggle with what to do. One night, an angel of the Lord came to Joseph. He told Joseph that Mary’s baby was conceived by the Holy Spirit. He went on to say that this child would be the Son of God and that His name would be Jesus. (Matthew 1). The angel urged Joseph to take Mary as his wife. So, he did.
Talk about struggles—the first Christmas was a huge struggle for Mary and Joseph. They had to deal with family issues and Mary’s pregnancy, travel to Bethlehem to be counted for taxation, and more. There was no place for them to stay, so Mary and Joseph had to stay in a stable. Then Mary went into labor and gave birth there.
The Bible recounts these struggles and how Mary and Joseph managed to get through it all. They leaned on God the entire time and were obedient to Him throughout. Their focus was on God and safely bringing His Son into the world. Still, it couldn’t have been easy.
The first Christmas is all about how God stepped into our world as a helpless infant. He was born in a humble stable to a young couple who had to travel far from their families. During this busy time, we can reflect on this powerful truth: Jesus was born to give us peace that transcends the temporary joys of this world. Read Isaiah 9:6 NKJV, where it says, “For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” This is our focus during Christmas.
Jesus’ Second Coming—The Future Hope
As we celebrate the birth of Christ, we are also reminded of the hope we have in His second coming. While we remember His coming as a baby in a manger, we also look forward to the day when He returns.
Jesus’ second coming will be as the King of Kings, who will make all things right. The future gives us comfort, knowing that the struggles and pains of this world are temporary.
In Revelation 22:12 NKJV, Jesus says, “And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work.” The second coming of Christ is a promise that brings us hope in times of uncertainty. We celebrate Christmas not only as the birth of our Savior but as a reminder of His return to restore justice, peace, and eternal life.
This hope sustains us when we feel overwhelmed and far from God in our daily lives and during the busy holiday season. It is a reminder that our true home is not here but with Christ and that one day, He will make all things new.
Finding Peace in the True Meaning of Christmas
The holiday can feel like a time of pressure, anxiety, and disappointment. But when we focus on the true meaning of Christmas, we find peace that transcends our circumstances. Jesus, born in a humble manger, came to offer us eternal life. His second coming promises the ultimate peace and joy, which no material possession or fleeing holiday tradition can bring.
This Christmas, take time to reflect on the deeper meaning of the season. Remember the gift of the Savior, who came to bring peace, hope, and salvation to a broken world. As we anticipate His return, we should live with hearts full of gratitude and expectation, knowing He will come again to make all things new.
With this focus, keep praying, reading/studying the Bible, and quiet times of reflection with God. You may only have a few minutes here and there, but in those moments, focus on God and the true meaning of Christmas, the gift of His Son, our Lord, Jesus Christ.
Prayer for Christmas Peace
Holy Father, this Christmas, help us remember to pause and reflect on the precious gift of Your Son. In the midst of holiday stress, help us to remember that You came to bring peace, love, hope, and eternal life. Fill our hearts with the joy of Your presence and remind us of the promise of Your return. We give you all the glory and praise for the gift of the Messiah, now and always. Amen.
God bless,
