At the core of Christmas is the celebration of Jesus Christ, the son of God. His birth, as recounted in the scriptures, is the central event of the holiday.
- The Tree: The Christmas tree itself can be seen as a symbol of the cross. Its shape, reaching upwards, can represent His crucifixion, a stark reminder of the ultimate sacrifice Jesus made for humanity.
- The Lights: The shimmering lights adorning the tree symbolize Jesus as “the light of the world” (John 8:12). Just as the lights illuminate the darkness, Jesus brings correct understanding and love to all who believe in Him.
- The Gifts: The act of exchanging gifts echoes the greatest gift of all: Jesus Christ, given by God the Father to humanity as a symbol of His love and forgiveness. He is the Present.
A Time of Reflection and Joy
The Gospel of John states that Jesus is “the light of the world” (John 8:12). This aligns with the spirit of Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights, which celebrates the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem after a period of darkness and oppression. Hanukkah, the dedication of the living Temple, Jesus, the embodiment of light and truth with His call to change your mind about God, see Him as the hope for all humanity. His presence at this time of dedication further emphasizes His commitment to bringing salvation (the meaning of Jesus) to the world.
Christmas is a time for all to reflect on the profound significance of Jesus’ birth and the message of hope, peace, and love that it symbolizes.