When fall has given way to winter and snow covers the ground while lights twinkle from house to house, you know that Christmas is coming. Christmas is one of the most important Christian and cultural holidays of the year, but what is the true meaning of Christmas? Is it the gifts? Is it the annual economic boost?
The meaning of Christmas can vary for different people and cultures, but it is generally celebrated as a Christian holiday that commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ. For Christians, Christmas is a time to reflect on the significance of Jesus' birth, emphasizing themes of love, peace, and goodwill toward all.
Beyond its religious roots, Christmas has evolved into a widely celebrated cultural and festive occasion in many parts of the world. It often involves exchanging gifts, spending time with family and friends, decorating homes with festive ornaments, and partaking in special meals and traditions.
Christmas is a time of spiritual reflection on the important foundations of the Christian faith. It’s also a celebration. It’s when Christians celebrate God’s love for the world through the birth of the Christ child: Jesus. The Bible tells of his birth hundreds of years before, fulfilling prophecies.
Meaning of the Word 'Christmas'
The term originates from the Old English Cristes mæsse, or "Christ's Mass," first recorded in historical documents around 1038. This phrase evolved into Middle English as Cristemasse, beautifully capturing the heart of this holiday as a time to honor and remember the birth of Jesus Christ.
In Christian tradition, "Mass" refers to the celebration of the Eucharist—an essential and sacred observance commemorating the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. By coming together for "Christ’s Mass," early believers celebrated His entrance into the world, setting the stage for a transformative message of hope and salvation.
You might have also seen the term "Xmas," which sometimes causes confusion. But "Xmas" has deep roots in the Greek language, as the letter "X" (Chi) is the first letter in Χριστός (Christos), which means "Christ." Far from being a modern abbreviation, "Xmas" holds a rich, historical connection to Christ and reminds us of the enduring message of Christmas: that Jesus came to be with us and bring us closer to God.
So, as we say “Merry Christmas,” let's remember its profound meaning—a celebration of Christ with us!
Origin of the Christmas Story in the Bible
The Christmas story is recorded in Luke 2:4-19.
"So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem, the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger because there was no room for them in the inn.
“And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today, in the town of David, a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.’
“Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.’
“When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, ‘Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.’ So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart." (Luke 2:4-19)
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The Angels Bring Good News
In the quiet fields outside Bethlehem, the shepherds were visited by an angel who proclaimed, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people” (Luke 2:10). This was no ordinary announcement—it was a declaration that the long-awaited Savior had arrived. The angel's message reminds us that Christmas is about more than festive traditions; it’s a celebration of the hope, peace, and joy that came with Jesus’ birth.
The angel declared the arrival of Emmanuel, meaning “God with us.” This name, first foretold by the prophet Isaiah (Isaiah 7:14), encapsulates the profound truth of Christmas. In Jesus, God came to dwell among us—not as a distant deity but as a humble, approachable Savior. Emmanuel means that we are not alone in our struggles or sorrows. God stepped into our world, walked in our shoes, and offered Himself as the bridge to eternal life.
This powerful truth transforms how we see the season. The angels’ proclamation wasn’t just for the shepherds; it’s for us today. It’s a reminder that no matter our circumstances, Emmanuel—God with us—is present in our lives. He brings good news of salvation, peace in the chaos, and joy in every heart that receives Him. This Christmas, may the angels’ message of hope echo in our hearts as we celebrate the gift of God’s presence with us.
True Meaning of Christmas: We Celebrate the Savior
Jesus was born in order to pay the price for the things we have done wrong: sin. God sent his only son to be the atonement for all our sins so that we would not be separated from God. Without Jesus, we would all die for our sins. We inherited our sinful nature from the first human beings God created, Adam and Eve. While being fully God and yet fully man, Jesus came into the world as an infant to save us all.
Most Christmas traditions vary in significance and symbolic meaning. For example, we exchange gifts because God sent us the most precious gift: his only Son. Also, three Wisemen visited Jesus and brought gifts as well. A poem titled A Visit from St. Nicholas, penned in 1822, popularized the tradition of exchanging gifts too.
Although people worldwide celebrate Christ’s birth on December 25th, it was likely that he was born on a different month and date. The church in the 4th century chose December 25th as it coordinated with the Solstice on the Roman Calendar. (See: When Was Jesus Born?)
For Christians, the true meaning of Christmas is the celebration of the Savior, Jesus Christ. We know that through belief in Christ, we are daughters and sons of God. Heaven will one day be our home. Perhaps this will help you look at the Christmas season differently this year. A chance to truly take in the wonder and awe of the season.
History of Christmas Traditions
Christmas is full of beautiful symbols, each with its own way of pointing us back to the Gospel story and the hope we have in Jesus. Let’s take a closer look at some of them and the meaning they carry:
The Evergreen Tree
The evergreen tree, with its year-round color, reminds us of eternal life—the promise we have in Christ. Tradition says that Martin Luther, a leader of the Reformation, introduced the first Christmas tree in his home. He decorated it with candles to represent Jesus as the Light of the World. Isn’t it amazing how something as simple as a tree can remind us of God’s never-ending love? (Isaiah 60:13; John 8).
Holly
Have you ever noticed the sharp, pointed leaves of holly? They’re like the crown of thorns Jesus wore as He bore the weight of our sins on the cross. It’s a humbling reminder of the incredible sacrifice He made for us (Matthew 27:29).
The Color Red
The bright red we see in so many Christmas decorations is more than just festive—it speaks of Jesus’ blood, shed for us. It’s a quiet yet powerful reminder of His gift of salvation and the love that covers us.
Giving Gifts
Our tradition of exchanging gifts goes all the way back to the Magi, who brought gold, frankincense, and myrrh to Jesus. Their offerings symbolized His kingship, the sorrow of His sacrifice, and His role as God’s perfect gift to the world. Every time we give or receive a gift, we can think of the greatest gift of all—Jesus (Matthew 2).
The Yule Log
The yule log, once carried into homes to burn for twelve days, symbolizes Christ’s sacrifice and the warmth, joy, and unity we find in Him. It’s a picture of how Jesus’ love lights up our lives and brings us together.
Mistletoe
Mistletoe might seem like just a fun Christmas tradition, but it has long been a symbol of peace. Through Christ, we have the ultimate peace—reconciliation with God. It’s through Him that we find rest for our souls (Romans 5:1; Romans 8:1).
Bells
Bells, with their bright and cheerful sound, remind us of their original purpose—to announce news. For us, they point to the Good News of Christ’s birth, the ultimate message of hope and salvation.
Heather Riggleman calls Nebraska home (Hey, it’s not for everyone) with her three kids and husband of 20 years. She writes to bring bold truths to marriage, career, mental health, faith, relationships, celebration and heartache. Heather is a former national award-winning journalist and is the author of Mama Needs a Time Out and Let’s Talk About Prayer. Her work has been featured on Proverbs 31 Ministries, MOPS, Today's Christian Woman and Focus On the Family. You can find her at heatherriggleman.com.
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