Rediscovering the True Meaning of Christmas
A Poetic Riddle and Timeless Tale
Merry Christmas! As we navigate the busyness of the Christmas season, it’s easy to lose sight of what we’re celebrating. Years ago, a friend of mine shared a poetic riddle that poses the perfect question for this season. Her muse can help us discover the true meaning of Christmas:
“Happy Christmas everyone! And in light of this very merry season I feel it appropriate to ask; as your gathered ’round fires and presents galore, and as you sit with your family who may be a bore; tune out the bright, cheery music and riddle me this; what is the true meaning of your Christmas?” (M. Huber – 12/25/10)
Huber invites us to pause within the celebrations and reflect on the true meaning of Christmas. The answer is found in the timeless story from Luke 2:1-21, which takes us back to Bethlehem over two thousand years ago.
A Journey to Bethlehem
The story begins with a decree from Caesar Augustus, prompting Joseph and Mary to travel to Bethlehem for a census. This seemingly ordinary event becomes the backdrop for the most extraordinary moment in history.
“And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.” (Luke 2:7)
In the simplicity of a stable, Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world, is born and laid in a manger (a feeding trough).
Angels Bring Good News
Meanwhile, shepherds in the fields nearby are visited by an angel of the Lord. They bring them news of great joy:
“For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2:11)
Then a multitude of heavenly hosts appear, praising God and declaring peace on earth. The shepherds, filled with awe, hurry to Bethlehem to witness the miracle for themselves.
The Shepherds’ Response
When the shepherds find Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus lying in a manger, they can’t keep the good news to themselves. They glorify and praise God, spreading the word to everyone they encounter.
“And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.”(Luke 2:20)
Their response is a powerful reminder of how we should approach Christmas. We should be filled with awe and joy, bursting with a heart that’s eager to share the gospel.
Remembering the Savior’s Birth
Huber’s poetic riddle encourages us to remember that Christmas isn’t just about presents and gatherings. It’s about celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. We should centre our thoughts and emotions on the Messiah, who came into the world in humility to save humanity from sin.
Like the shepherds, we should respond with gratitude and joy. This will help us keep the true meaning of Christmas alive in our hearts and help us share it with others.
Dive Deeper Into Scripture
Reflect on the true meaning of Christmas with these passages:
- Luke 2 – The account of Jesus’ birth and the shepherds’ response.
- John 1 – “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.” (John 1:14)
Join the Conversation; Share Your Thoughts
- How does the story of Jesus’ birth influence your perspective on the Christmas season?
- How can we share the joy of Christmas with others as the shepherds did?
- What traditions help you keep the true meaning of Christmas at the center of your celebrations?
