The end of the year is here. December has come and with it brings all the joys of Christmas. But what is the true meaning of Christmas? Is it the gifts under the tree, the magnificent lights flickering in windows throughout the night, or even the ugliest of the ugly sweaters contest at work or school? Maybe it’s the shouts of “Merry Christmas” as they echo throughout the streets to all who pass. Is this really Christmas?
According to many ancient tales, Christmas derived as a celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. ‘Santa Claus’ or ‘Saint Nick’ became a highly popular folktale associated with this miraculous event. People envisioned Santa Claus as a rather plump man with a heavy white beard, dressed in a red suit with white trim- ming. His jolly “Ho, Ho, Ho” laughter has filled the hearts of children and adults alike for generations.
Many Christians suggest perhaps St. Nick was actually Nicholas, a 4th century Bishop in Myra who was a servant of Jesus Christ.
As the tale is told, Nicholas became a very wealthy man after his parents descended unto the Heavens. In an act of obedience to God’s word, Nicholas forwarded his wealth to the needy, sick and afflicted. With his actions, many began to identify this historical Christian Saint as Santa Claus because of his generous contributions and gifts to the children of the land.
In Luke 1:26, the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a virgin who was to be married to a man named Joseph. The
virgin’s name was Mary.
Look further to Luke 1:30-32, 35, which says, the angel told Mary that she had found favour with God and that she will conceive in the womb and bring forth a son who was named JESUS. He was to be called the son of the highest — the Holy Ghost would come upon her.
In Matthew 2:8, 11, the wise men were sent to Bethlehem to search diligently for the young child. The star in the East went before them and stood over where the child was. They rejoiced with great joy when they saw Mary with her son and fell down and worshipped him. They presented him with gifts: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Each gift fit for a King.
In Rev 12:5, Mary brought forth Jesus Christ who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron. Who now sits at his throne after being risen up unto God.
Jesus was foretold in the Old Testament verse Isaiah 9:6 to us a child is born, a son is given and the government will be on his shoulders. He will be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. In Luke 2:7, 11 it says in Bethlehem Christ was born in a stable. This was the greatest event in all history.
According to the Bible, Jesus wasn’t born or didn’t live like a king in this life but he was the king of kings. Born a savior, He came to deliver us from sin and everything not of him. He is Christ the Lord Savior of the world. He, Jesus, is the reason for this Christmas Season.
