The Real Essence of Christmas

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that
whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16

“Thank you, thank you, and thank you very much, thank you!” sang by the carolers
outside the house that caught my attention. After giving them the money, I sat down on the
terrace.

Oh Christmas! It’s the season people love the most. It is the time when people are
attending the evening mass, making lists, giving and exchanging special gifts, taking time to be
kind to one and all. It's that time of year when good friends are dear. And wish they could give
more. It’s the season when it seems so united and peaceful.

But Christmas is far more than those things. I once asked my thirteen-year old cousin
what is the real meaning of Christmas and he said, “It is the time when I have lot of money and
gifts.” I feel quite disappointed and sad for the answer he gave me. Most people fail to realize
that the true meaning of Christmas is the Christian celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, who is
considered the Son of God, and the savior of all people. The man who sacrificed and walked
away from the throne of heaven because He knew it was the purpose God gave Him. God’s
motive for creating us was His love. The Bible says, “For God so loved the world that he gave
his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

Christmas also celebrates the beginning of Christianity. Though Christmas is normally

celebrated on the 25th of December, strong evidence suggests that Jesus may have in fact been
born in the spring. Though many Christians date Christ’s birth as the end of the "Before Christ"
or BC era, most believe Christ’s birth can actually be dated to 4 BC. This is a bit ironic, since the
Christian era is thought to begin with the birth of Christ, but actually begins later.

Merry Christmas and Happy and Prosperous New Year! You may have a year that full of
blessing and happiness.