The Meaning of Christmas
We must emphasize what the primary meaning of these Christmas celebrations is.An Ipsos survey in 2022 found that two-thirds of the U.S. population believes the true meaning of Christmas has been lost. So, what is the true meaning? Fundamentally, it is the celebration of the birth of Baby Jesus. However, it has been substantially overshadowed by commercial interests that seek every opportunity to get us to buy more and follow the consumerist trend. That is why Christmas is now more associated with gifts from Santa traveling on his reindeer sled, decorations, the Christmas tree with its lights, and the family photo in pajamas to post on social media.
This does not mean that the above is wrong. However, as Christians, we must emphasize the primary meaning. We celebrate Christmas to honor the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem, opening our hearts to be guided and follow his example of how he lived on earth and how he gave his life on the cross to save us through the way of love. In our Hispanic-Latino tradition, we call the night Jesus was born in a stable among the animals of the field Nochebuena (Christmas Eve). The Son of God, being the most powerful being in the universe, chose to be fragile and become like one of us, being humble and showing us that every person is created in the image and likeness of God, and nothing can diminish our value, regardless of our social status, nationality, gender, language, skin color, and many other labels. Jesus teaches us that God loves us all infinitely and wants us to be happy, living as siblings in love, joy, and hope. Finally, I want to share an anonymous poem that summarizes the mystery of who Jesus was: “He was born in a small village, the son of a peasant woman. He grew up in another village, where he worked as a carpenter till the age of thirty. Then, for three years, he became a strolling preacher. He never wrote a book. Never held public office. Never had a family or home. Never went to a university. Never travelled more than 300 kilometers from his place of birth. Never achieved anything that is associated with greatness. Had no credentials other than himself. He was only thirty-three years old when public opinion turned against him His friends abandoned him. He was handed over to his enemies, who made fun of him at a trial. He was crucified between two thieves. And while he agonized, his torturers cast lots on his garments, the only possession he had. When he died, he was buried in a tomb that was lent by a friend. Twenty centuries have passed, and today he is the central figure of our world, a decisive factor in the progress of humanity. None of the armies that have marched, none of the navies that have sailed, none of the parliaments that have met, none of the kings that have reigned, not even all of them together have changed the life of men on earth as this solitary Life.” Rev. Israel Portilla-Gómez (He/him/his) is Associate Rector at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church. 2222 E Tudor Rd, Anchorage, AK 99507. [email protected]. (907) 563-3341. Ext. 13. |