CHRIST IS THE MEANING OF CHRISTMAS

Christ is the Meaning of Christmas Christmas is such a beautiful time of year. Family, friends, and neighbors are welcomed into our homes as we anticipate the birth of Christ. He is the reason for the season, and we need to be sure to celebrate his birth appropriately. Unfortunately, too many people are only concerned with the material side of Christmas. They get too caught up in the hustle and bustle of decorations, deadlines, and sales, and they forget why this month is so important. The children eagerly await Christmas morn, with all its glamour and glitter beneath the tree. Then comes the tearing open of presents along with squeals of delight. These memories are precious and few. But are we doing all we can to celebrate Jesus’s birth? Do we teach them that He is why we celebrate this glorious day? It is important to give children daily reminders all during the month of December about why Christmas is special, and what they should actually be focusing on besides their wish lists. Here are a few suggestions: Advent. Have an Advent wreath in the home, and take at least a few minutes each night to pray as a family around it. Teach them how important it is to put prayer and selflessness first. Read from an Advent reflection booklet during the lighting of the candle. Discuss how difficult Mary and Joseph’s trip must have been while they sought a place for Mary to safely give birth. Talk about how excited and perhaps nervous Mary may have been that night, and how brave she was to accept such a gift from God. Giving. Not only do children love to receive gifts, but they also really do enjoy the gift of giving. Teach them to offer charity in some way to those in need, and they will begin to think of others more often. Soon, they will think about helping others before we even mention it. This is a character trait that portrays the image of God, something that concerns everyone. Sing at a nursing home, make handmade ornaments for neighbors, or perhaps help to serve a meal to the needy. These are all ways to give back, and these activities do not require large sums of money. It also helps to think creatively. Christ is the reason for the season. Many times people are caught up in the materialistic side of Christmas. If you think about it, it is quite appalling that Christmas has become such a huge retail holiday. Think of Jesus driving the merchants out of the Temple. It overshadows the joy of Christmas by making people stress out about gifts, parties, and too much food. Some become so agitated that they actually dread Christmas day. The fear of disappointing someone, hurting someone’s feelings, or undercooking the turkey can take away from what God intended us to celebrate: the birth of His Son. If you do encounter one of these scenarios (and you probably will), remember to stop and think about what God wants from us during Christmas. Love, togetherness, and rejoicing are the things He really wants from us. Slow down and take in what is around you. Attend Mass and rediscover the glory of the season. Go to confession during Advent (tomorrow is Reconciliation Monday) and cleanse your soul from the burdens you carry. We cannot please everyone all the time, but we can surely try to please God. Have a Blessed and Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! And remember Fr. Mac's famous song: Happy Birthday Jesus.