2007-01-24 21:38:55 · 11 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
LOVE - that's the true meaning of Christmas. John 3:16-17 says, "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved."
Philippians chapter 2, verses 6-11, as paraphrased in The Message, records, "Jesus had equal status with God but didn't think so much of Himself that He had to cling to the advantages of that status no matter what. Not at all. When the time came, He set aside the privileges of deity and took on the status of a slave, became human! Having become human, He stayed human. It was an incredibly humbling process. He didn't claim special privileges. Instead, He lived a selfless, obedient life and then died a selfless, obedient death - and the worst kind of death at that: a crucifixion. Because of that obedience, God lifted Him high and honored Him far beyond anyone or anything, ever, so that all created beings in heaven and on earth - even those long ago dead and buried - will bow in worship before this Jesus Christ, and call out in praise that He is the Master of all, to the glorious honor of God the Father."
The true meaning of Christmas is God's becoming a human being in the Person of Jesus Christ. Why did God do such a thing? Because He loves us! Why was Christmas necessary? Because we needed a Savior! Why does God love us so much? Because He is love (1 John 4:8)! Why do we celebrate Christmas each year? Out of gratitude for what God did for us, we remember His birth by giving each other gifts, worshipping Him, and being especially conscious of the poor and less fortunate.
The true meaning of Christmas is LOVE. God loved us so much that He wanted to provide a way for us to spend eternity with Him. He gave His only Son to take our punishment for our sins, He paid the price in full! We are free from condemnation when we accept that free gift of LOVE. "But God demonstrated His own love for us in this: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8).
2007-01-26 21:56:38 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
The true meaning of Christmas is to mark the passing of mid-winter and a return to spring and summer and rebirth. It was taken over by Christian worship because it was a conveniently established religious festival when the new religion was being imposed.
For example the yuletide log and twelfth night was from Norse tradition - the idea being that if you could keep a single log burning for twelve days you would ensure a fertile summer.
2007-01-25 06:01:18 · answer #2 · answered by future_man_uk 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Actually it was a day of compromise with the pagan Romans to introduce Christianity into their practices. The Romans had this fertility/harvest celebration day symbolized by a tree. The Christians came and said OK keep the tree and we'll make it a birthday party for Christ who himself never said celebrate my birthday which wouldn't even occur at that date because there are no plants for the sheep, hence shepards, etc... In fact Christ only told his followers to celebrate his death.
2007-01-25 06:02:18 · answer #3 · answered by me 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
They couldn't find the date of the Christian's God's birth, so they took the Pagan's holiday Yule and added a couple days onto it, but as for Santa and all the gift giving and stuff? I have no idea
2007-01-25 05:52:02 · answer #4 · answered by dewaddictman 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The celebration of Wall Mart stock holders.
2007-01-25 05:42:41 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
its a time of Christ in a wallet instead of a basket,
its a time of money instead of peace,
its a time of high food volume instead of joy,
its a time for increased suicide instead of love,
its a time for wall street instead of my street,
its a time for all those poor souls who have lost the true meaning of Christmas ,but still think they are celebrating it!
2007-01-25 05:55:49 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
The celebration of the birth of Christ and the joy of knowing that we have a Savior.
2007-01-25 05:50:54 · answer #7 · answered by Sentinel 7 · 0⤊ 3⤋
A celebration of Christ's birth. The Bible say's Christ is Emmanual meaning God with us.
2007-01-25 05:45:28 · answer #8 · answered by mariselasman 3 · 0⤊ 4⤋
In what context?
2007-01-25 05:50:00 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
PRESSIES!!! And lots of food.
2007-01-25 05:42:54 · answer #10 · answered by Cato Says "Kalamaloo" 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋