As the holiday season unfolds, it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of Christmas. Shopping lists grow, schedules fill up, and there’s always that one string of lights that refuses to work. But in the middle of all the chaos, it’s worth pausing to reflect on the true heart of Christmas—the moment when God stepped into His own creation to save it.
The story of Christmas begins with an incredible act of love and humility. John 1:14 captures it beautifully: “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” Think about that for a moment. The Creator of the universe didn’t stay distant or detached. He entered our world—not in grandeur or majesty, but as a helpless baby born in a stable.
This isn’t just a nice story to read by candlelight on Christmas Eve. It’s a radical reminder of God’s love for humanity. He stepped into the messiness of our world to bring hope, peace, and redemption. And that’s something worth celebrating.
What Christmas Teaches Us About Living Today
If Christmas is about God’s ultimate act of selflessness, how should that shape the way we live? For starters, it challenges us to put relationships above material things. Jesus didn’t come to give us stuff; He came to give us Himself. Likewise, the best gift we can offer others is our time, love, and attention.
In a culture that often prioritizes presents over presence, Christmas invites us to flip the script. Instead of stressing over finding the “perfect” gift, consider how you can invest in the people around you. Maybe it’s sharing a meal, having a heartfelt conversation, or lending a listening ear. These simple acts of love echo the heart of Christ, who came not to be served but to serve (Mark 10:45).
Don’t Forget the True Meaning
It’s easy to lose sight of what really matters when the world around us is screaming about sales, parties, and endless to-do lists. But Christmas isn’t about perfection; it’s about presence—God’s presence with us and our presence with each other.
Take some time this season to reflect on the wonder of the Incarnation. Read the Nativity story in Luke 2, and let it remind you of the lengths God went to in order to show His love. And as you gather with family and friends, let gratitude guide your celebrations. Thank God for His indescribable gift (2 Corinthians 9:15), and look for ways to share that love with others.
A Season of Giving, Grounded in Grace
Ultimately, Christmas is about grace. It’s about a God who loved us so much that He became one of us, walked among us, and gave His life for us. That’s the kind of love that transforms lives. And as we celebrate this season, let’s not keep that love to ourselves. Let’s be people who reflect the light of Christ in a world that desperately needs it.
So, whether you’re wrapping presents, baking cookies, or simply sitting by the tree with a cup of hot cocoa, remember this: Christmas is about more than what’s under the tree. It’s about who ultimately died on one. God stepped into His creation to save it, and that changes everything. Let’s live like it.
Blessings,
Troy
Troy P Zehnder 