Opinion: Before opening gifts, remember the reason for the season

By MARK BALLARD
Guest columnist

Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2013, 6 p.m. – The lights strung on the tree shine bright and reflect off of the many ornaments hanging from top to bottom and all around. Atop the tree stands a shining star or heavenly angel. Beneath the tree are presents, wrapped in different Christmas themed or colored paper, awaiting the morning of Christmas for the family to share with each other their expressions of love.

Is this the purpose of this day? Is it just another day of the year that just happened to be designated as a holiday? Is it just another paid day off of work? For so many, it seems it is. However, what is the day of Christmas really all about?

The Bible tells of the birth of Jesus beginning with Matthew 1:18. Christmas day is the birthday of Jesus Christ. The entire purpose of Christmas is to celebrate His birth. Without the birth of Christ, we would still be trapped in a life of sin. We are all born sinners and we are all still sinners. But, through the selfless act of dying for our sins, Jesus saved us from eternal death and gave us everlasting life. We cannot “buy” our way into heaven. We cannot go to heaven by performing good deeds, or donating to the right cause, or by just showing up to church every weekend. Only through believing and accepting Christ as our Lord and Savior can we truly be saved.

Christmas is a time for celebrating life. Jesus’ birth began Him on His journey to pay for our sins and give us eternal life through His death and resurrection. Without His birth and death, we would be condemned to eternal damnation. During this holiday time, and especially on Christmas day, remember the real meaning of the season.

Remember that the gift giving represents the gifts given to baby Jesus by the wise men. Remember the star on top of the tree represents the star a bright over the birthplace of Jesus the night of His birth. If you have an angel on your tree, remember the angels singing on high when Jesus was born.

Before the presents are opened, or the Christmas dinner is eaten, remember for whom the holiday is really for and wish Jesus a Happy Birthday!

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