Many are searching for the true meaning of Christmas. Is it all about Christmas lights and
Christmas trees? Is it all about the coming together of families? Does it involve the baby
Jesus with Mary, Joseph, and shepherds by his side?
Maybe it has to do with all of these things. We can belittle the “secularization” of
Christmas trying to make it only something “holy.” But the fact that God chose to become
human means that God took on the characteristics of being human. This should help
Christians appreciate the Christmas gift of human life in all of its ups and downs and ins
and outs.
Many people can feel sad at Christmas. Their expectations are not being met or they
remember past Christmases with the joy of being with loved ones who are no longer
present. When we contemplate the Christmas story, we realize that Mary and Joseph also
did not expect to be giving birth in a stable with no family or friends nearby. Somehow it
all worked out however and “the Word became flesh and dwells among us.”
• Do you experience sadness during the holidays?
• What helps you in getting beyond the sadness to experiencing Christmas joy?
• How does your belief in the Christ’s coming add to your experience?
O God, help me experience Christmas joy that speaks to my searching heart