Episode Details

The true meaning of Christmas can easily get buried under gifts, traditions, and cultural noise, but it has always centered on one life-changing reality: the birth of Jesus Christ. Reflecting on Christmas through the lens of faith helps shift our focus from material celebration to the eternal hope and salvation Christ brings into the world.

Highlights

• Childhood Christmas traditions can unintentionally center more on materialism than meaning

• Familiar cultural moments, like classic Christmas specials, can point back to the Gospel

• Christmas offers a unique opportunity to share faith with those who may not know Christ

• The birth of Jesus fulfills long-awaited hope and promise

• Christ entered the world humbly, not with extravagance or recognition

• Christmas is an invitation to refocus our hearts on salvation, not spectacle

• Sharing the meaning of Christmas helps renew our own faith

Gift Inspiration: Crosswalk's Holiday Gift Guide

Looking for a meaningful way to celebrate the season? Check out our Holiday Gift Guide—from beautifully illustrated Bibles and devotionals to novels, greeting cards, and picture books, there’s something for everyone on your list. Wrap up stories for loved ones, tuck a book into your own nightstand, and join us in celebrating the wonder of giving this Christmas!

Full Transcript Below:

Reflecting on the True Meaning of Christmas

By Vivian Bricker

Bible Reading:

“Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord” (Luke 2:11). 

A Christmas tradition in my family was watching “A Charlie Brown Christmas” each year. Countless times, I saw this television special, but its meaning would elude me. While I could blame childish ways of thinking, the real reason I wasn’t paying attention to the more profound meaning was that I was rather fascinated by the materialism of Christmas. I loved the gifts, fancy dinners, and elaborate decorations. 

When I rewatched “A Charlie Brown Christmas” as an adult, I quickly saw all of the connections it had with the Gospel. Linus shares the true meaning of Christmas—the birth of Jesus Christ, the Messiah. As an adult, I was shocked that this Christmas special continued to air in such an anti-Christian world. Nonetheless, I am thankful this special continues to be shared, and hopefully it has led many people to the true meaning of Christmas.

Sadly, so many people still do not know that Christmas is about the coming of Christ. They are blinded to the truth. The devil will continue to blind people; however, Christmas is the perfect way to share the Gospel and combat the devil’s schemes. By sharing the true meaning of Christmas with others, it can help them come to know the Lord as their personal Savior.

Intersecting Faith & Life:

A classic Christmas passage you can share with others is Luke 2:11: “Today in the town of David