EVERY YEAR, LIGHTS music, and gifts mark the arrival of Christmas. Here at Rhema, over two million lights brighten the campus on Thanksgiving Eve. It’s a beautiful sight. Though we have trees and buildings lit up, we also have reminders with manger scenes and lighted signs declaring that Jesus is the Light of the World.
Beyond the tinsel and wrapping paper is the heart of what we as Christians celebrate—the birth of Jesus Christ, God’s greatest gift to mankind. Christmas should not merely be a holiday; it’s a holy day. God chose this day for prophecy to be fulfilled, as spoken by Isaiah 9:6 (NKJV): “For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
Luke 2:10-11 says, “And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.” That announcement to humble shepherds changed history. The Savior had come! The one promised in Genesis, prophesied by Isaiah, and longed for by generations was finally born. His birth declared that humanity’s separation from God would end through Jesus, the Lamb of God, who would take away the sin of the world.
Christmas is not mainly about giving gifts to each other, but about receiving the gift—the Son of God. John 3:16 reminds us, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” This is the heart of Christmas: love that gives, grace that redeems, and joy that restores.
For many, Christmas is stressful. Schedules fill up, expectations rise, and emotions run high, especially at family gatherings. The joy of the season can get lost in busyness and pressure.
If we are not intentional, we can find ourselves exhausted and missing the very peace the angels sang about: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men” (Luke 2:14). I'd like to share several ways I have found to maintain my peace during the Christmas season.
I’ve learned to simplify my focus. Choose a few meaningful traditions and let the rest go. Select the parties you attend; prioritize the meaningful ones. Simplify gift giving—my family prefers money to choose their own gifts. That became easier for me. Simplify your decorations. Only put up your favorite ones. Simplify your meal, or have each one bring their favorite dish.
Along with simplifying, set realistic expectations with your family. Family gatherings can bring both joy and tension. Remember Romans 12:18 (NLT): “Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.” As you gather, choose a forgiving heart. Focus on gratitude and connection, not disagreements.
As another meaningful practice, read the Christmas story in Luke 2 as a family. Have each family member share one thing that they are thankful for. These simple acts realign your heart with the reason for the season, protecting you from the chaos of commercialized Christmas.
During our family celebrations, my husband always reminds our children, grandchildren, and now great-grandchildren that we should be thankful to God for the blessings that He has bestowed upon us.
The world celebrates Christmas for many reasons—some for tradition and others for festivity—but believers celebrate because it is the day we remember God’s faithfulness and love for us. When you think of Christmas, picture not just the manger but the cross that lay ahead. The manger was the beginning of redemption’s plan; the cross was its completion.
The baby wrapped in swaddling clothes would one day wear a crown of thorns, so we could wear a crown of life. This Christmas, let every light remind you of the Light of the World. Let every gift remind you of the Giver of all good things. Let every Christmas carol stir gratitude for the One whose coming brought salvation.
Ultimately, Christmas isn’t about perfect decorations or flawless gatherings—it’s about a perfect Savior who entered an imperfect world. It’s about Emmanuel, “God with us” (Matt. 1:23). May this Christmas be a time of renewal, reflection, and rest as you remember the miracle of God’s love—born in a manger, destined for the cross and reigning forever as Lord.
Author
Lynette Hagin
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