Virgil Lee, Senior Pastor, New Life Church
Can you hear it? The hustle and bustle of the holiday season—the laughter, jingling bells, and warmth of shared moments. As Christmas lights brighten neighborhoods and carols fill the air, I ask myself: What is this season truly about? Is it just traditions, decorations, and gift exchanges? Or is there a deeper meaning that touches our hearts?
Over the years, Christmas has taken many forms—gatherings with loved ones, celebrations, and even a competition to display the brightest lights. But amid the joy, stress often sneaks in. We sing “Jingle Bells” while wishing our calendars would pause, only to find ourselves exhausted by January—worried about bills or stepping onto the bathroom scale, wondering where the joy went. When we focus only on the superficial, the season can feel overwhelming, even depressing.
Here’s the truth: At its core, Christmas is a season rooted in hope, peace, joy, and love. When we remember and embrace this, everything changes.
There’s nothing wrong with gift-giving or gatherings—those are expressions of joy. But the real question is: Why do we do them? Are they for genuine celebration or just to impress or keep up appearances? In our quest to make things look festive, we may miss the true reason for the season.
And what is that reason? Simply put: Christ is the reason for the season. This timeless truth should transform how we approach every moment.
Imagine: How would your life look if you truly lived this out? Would you walk into the holidays with peace instead of stress? Carry joy into every encounter? Shine hope when others feel overwhelmed? And love—would it overflow from your heart to touch everyone around you? The answer lies in one phrase: “because we have Christ. He is Emmanuel—God with us.”
Matthew 1:23: “Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which means, “God with us.”
This verse powerfully reminds us of God’s loving gift—coming to us as a baby, walking among us and loving unconditionally. Christmas celebrates this incredible love—God’s love—manifested in Jesus.
Since creation, God’s desire has been to be close to us. That love was displayed through the gift of His Son. As John 3:16 reminds us: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.”
This season, let’s remember, the greatest gift is God with us. Jesus is the ultimate gift we can receive and give. How will you carry that gift into your everyday life and share it with others?
I think of the song “Go Tell It on the Mountain.” What are we telling? That Jesus Christ is born! Emmanuel has come—for you, for me, for everyone.
My prayer for you this Christmas is that hope, peace, joy, and love fill your heart. May you experience God’s presence—not only in traditions but in your spirit and daily life. If you do not have a church home or want to learn more about Jesus, I invite you to join us at New Life Church. Let’s celebrate the true meaning of Christmas together.
Merry Christmas!