On a bus ride in the 1950s, the brother of Oxford professor, C.S. Lewis, overheard a complaining woman say, as they passed a church with a crib outside it, “They bring religion into everything. Look, they’re even dragging it into Christmas now.”

Somehow, then and now, the true message of Christmas gets drowned out in the cacophony of parties, decorations and presents.

But what are we really celebrating?

Christmas comes from “Christ mass,” which means “celebration of Christ.” Christ means “Anointed One” or “Messiah.” And the angels who heralded His birth called Him “Immanuel,” which means “God with us.”

The great gift of Christmas is that God sent His son, Jesus, into the world to communicate His love and make a way to fix our broken relationship with Him. Perhaps John 3:16 best articulates the magnitude of this truth: “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.”

The poem, “With You,” by Tia Ciferno beautifully expresses the true meaning of Christmas this way:

You’ve heard the Christmas story since the time when you were small.

How Jesus came so humbly as a baby in the stall.

But have you let its wonder become buried through the years?

Far beneath each hidden layer of your heartache and your fears.

Maybe you are wandering, like the wise men on that night.

Searching for some meaning, a reason for your life.

Well, come again and listen to the story sweet and old.

Come and hear the Master’s message; it can heal your wounded soul.

Why did the angels sing so sweet to the shepherds on that night?

Why did the star that led the kings shine so pure and bright?

Why did the Maker of your heart come as a baby warm and new?

In every mystery, God is speaking clear and true.

He didn’t want to spend forever without you.

He planned your rescue long before the dawn of time.

When He sent that baby, it was you there on His mind.

‘Cause on your own you’re helpless to break through that wall of sin.

Through the sacrifice of Jesus we’ll live forevermore with Him.

Lewis wrote in his classic book, Mere Christianity, that “The Son of God became a man to enable men to become sons of God.” Truly, a priceless gift of infinite value — lovingly wrapped and freely offered especially for you and me.

And that, ladies and gentlemen, is the amazing reason for the season. 

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A similar article appeared in the December 2021 edition of “Best Living at Scenic Loop” magazine.