The Story vs. The Meaning

At our church we have spent a lot of time talking about the difference in the story of Christmas and the meaning of Christmas. It is easy to get caught up in the commercialism of the season and forget about the story of Christmas. To protect from this negligence many Christians will set out a nativity scene or read the Christmas story before opening their gifts, all in an effort to remember the “reason for the season”. (In reality all it is doing is easing their conscience.)

This, as valiant as an effort as it may be, is still not enough. It is not enough to simply remember the history of Christmas and to think about the story of the shepherds, wise men, Joseph, and Mary. We must take it a step farther and apply the story’s significance to our individual lives. Because of Christmas we have hope, we have salvation, we have forgiveness, we have comfort. Because of Christmas we can see God’s provision, His providence, and His sovereignty.

We often think about Christmas and Easter as two separate events, but in reality they are inseparable. Jesus is the only person ever born with the sole purpose of dying. And through that death we have all the things mentioned above. That is the meaning of Christmas.

The story of Christmas is memorable and enjoyable, but the meaning of Christmas is life-changing. Which is your focus?