Symbols of the Real Christmas

One of the symbols of Christmas is the Evergreen tree. Throughout most of the country, leaves have fallen and the Evergreen is one of the few trees that remain green year-round. Like God's love, the "Ever"green is "ever-lasting. God's love doesn't die away. In Jeremiah 31:3 is says; "I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have continued my faithfulness to you."

"The Meaning of Christmas"

Another tradition at Christmas is exchanging presents. As parents, we give gifts to our kids, not because they deserve them for anything they've done, but because we love them. Symbollically, this is representive of a more perfect love from our Heavenly Father, who sent the gift of his son, Jesus, to pay the penalty of death, for our sin and provide us with everlasting life with Him.

"A wonderful song and video on the relationship between Jesus and his mother, Mary."

A tradition in our family every Christmas is to light a special Christmas candle on Christmas Eve and have our own candlelight service around the tree. We start off singing "Silent Night," and then I have a short message and passage I read from the Bible before we go around and pray, reflecting on the blessings of the year, those gathered with us and family members that are away.

Two thought provoking questions I'd like to ask you are:

(1) How would you describe the purpose of Christmas to a person from another culture? Take a few minutes to ponder this before looking at question two.

(2) How do the ways you celebrate Christmas reflect the purpose you described?

Wishing you and your family a very Merry Christmas,

Eric