During the first two centuries of Christianity, there was strong opposition to recognizing the birthdays of Jesus or of martyrs. Many Church Fathers believed that it was the day of a saint or martyr’s death—the “true” birthday into new life—that should be celebrated.

Christmas began to be widely celebrated in the 9th century. But, even then, it did not attain the importance of Good Friday or Easter.

I often wonder if the celebration of Christmas has become so massive because of the need those of us who live in the northern hemisphere have for light and hope during this dark and cold time of year. As days grow short—as we see the early days of a long winter that stretches before us—what better time for a celebration of joy?

I am all in favor of it! The lights. Family gatherings. The pervasive sense of hope that is infused in all that this season is.

The lights of this season—be they candle light, tree lights, tinsel, or the light in a child’s eyes—should be a reminder of what we are celebrating. The birth of a Savior. The passing away of all fear of death. The truth of the life to come. All held in this tiny baby—this life that lives in each of us today.

How are we reflecting this truth?

How are we living into this reality?

How are we allowing Christ to make us lights in a darkened world?

How can we reflect His light throughout the coming year?

Light. Reflect on this. Reflect His light.

Christmas is also the reason for Hope.

Hope that the disappointing reality we see does not account for the miracle of His presence.

This baby came into the world to show us that, at its best, this world is but a shadow of the True reality—the reality of His presence here and in the world to come.

When Christ comes into any situation, life changes for good—and only for the good.

Christ is the source of the miraculous. He is the source of redemption. He makes all things new. He is Hope.

How can we be spreaders of such a hope?

How can we point to the One in Whom all things are possible?

How can we introduce the Hope He gives into a dark world?

Hope and Light. They are the true meaning of Christmas.

Hope and Light. Even unbelievers have an innate craving for them. For Him.

For the Church, for each of us, Christmas is only a beginning. And, each year, a reminder. We are called to be His Light and His Hope in this dark and cold world.

How can we in essence “be” Christmas each day of the year?
Can we, like that bright star, point to the True Light that is Jesus?

Reflect on this.

This is Christmas!