Merry Christmas

In seminary, we talked about the three levels of celebrating Christmas:

1. In a more worldly sense.  This is the “spirit of giving” side of Christmas, without any religious essence to it.  This is the level where you focus on the things that we give and receive, instead of the meaning behind Christmas.  If we stay on this level, Christmas can’t last past Christmas morning. 

2. Celebrating the baby in Bethlehem.  This is focusing on Christ’s birth, which is indeed what Christmas is about.  This is where songs like “Away in a Manger” belong.  Unfortunately, sometimes we can focus so much on Christ’s birth that we forget about His life.  Celebrating this way can't last either. 

3. Celebrating Christ’s life as an adult.  This is the kind of Christmas spirit that really can last all year ‘round.  This is recognizing that the only reason Christ’s birth really mattered was because of what He did for mankind.  He saved us.  He knows our pains and grief, and I believe He grieves with us.  He wants us to return to Him.  That’s why Christmas matters.