As we quickly approach that time of year again, with many of us looking forward with anticipation and with others dreading the customary festivities, mountains of cooking and washing up it seems a poignant moment to consider what Christmas really means.
We’re not really talking about the debate of the older generation against consumerism, for we long since know that for many, Christmas seems to revolve around the gift list making, shopping, wrapping and giving, but beyond this what is the real meaning behind Christmas?
For Christians
Of course for Christians Christmas is a time for celebration and for reflection. It celebrates the birth of Jesus and allows Christmas to ponder the achievements and sacrifices of Jesus that were yet to come.
However it is a misnomer to say that other religions don’t appreciate the Christmas holidays and whilst they don’t celebrate it, they may have other connections to it. Take for example Islam; Muslims consider Jesus to have been a Holy Prophet and thus hold him in high regard. However they have but one God and one focus, unlike Christians who worship the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.
For children
Whilst I’d like this to be a considered blog, we must be honest and say for the part the majority of children will see Christmas as all about presents! Well, perhaps not ALL about presents, we may have room for a bit of chocolate too! For the adults and relatives of these children however Christmas is very much a time about cherishing their children.
For Family, for friends, for loved ones
Christmas is very much a time about family, friends and loved ones. Regardless of faith it is a time of getting together, eating, drinking, being merry and celebrating one another’s company.
They’ll be the customary Christmas cracker jokes, the huge dinners, the gathering around the TV and for many the customary Christmas day argument.
For sorrow
Unfortunately in all of the hustle and bustle of Christmas many of us fail to see that for many, Christmas is also a time for sorrow. For those who have lost loved ones; for those who may be homeless; for those who may be poor or for those who may otherwise have year round problems emphasised at this special time of year.
It seems that as consumerism doesn’t look set to unleash its grip on what were previously religious celebrations, that there is still plenty about Christmas that means it is far from just a commercial exercise.
Christmas is a time to see and appreciate family and friends that we otherwise rarely see; it’s a time to eat, drink and be merry; it’s a time that remains a celebration of Jesus and his birth.
In short the meaning of Christmas is whatever it means to you, your family, and your friends and however you define it we wish you a merry time with your loved ones!
