I was talking to my first graders today at work and asked them what they were most excited about and of course their answer was, "Miss Lauren I love the PRESENTS!!" I was laughing but at the same time I was bummed to know that was what they were most excited about but yet unfortunately that is how most people feel. We are very fortunate enough to be able to receive presents, however that is not the true meaning of Christmas.
The purpose of Christmas is God has given us this gift of salvation. God himself came down to earth as Jesus. If we think about it God could have come down to earth as a wealthy man who had everything but no... God came down as a servant that was brutally treated and mocked by his own people. BUT even though he knew this was all going to happen he did it because he loves us so much. The capacity of his love in incomprehensible. When I think about how much God loves me I try to think back at times when I have felt the most loved and times that by a zillion.
God didn't buy all of us toys and tangible objects but he has given us this greatest gift of all, salvation. By God's grace and mercy he saved us from all of our sins through JESUS. "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." - John 3:16. The purpose of Christmas is to celebrate Jesus' birth and to give. God gave us the gift of salvation. We should be giving but to share God's glory within our giving. The most precious gift you can give someone is time. If we really take the time to give gifts to people to share God's glory Christmas can be a joyful experience. We can truly celebrate the birth of our savior, Jesus Christ.
