This thread is for everyone no matter what your spiritual persuasion.. I titled it "Christian" so that Christians have a place to come and share what's in the hearts without the fear of offending others. Christians have so much joy from their faith that they want to share with others so all can experience it, but most hold back (not all but most). This thread is a place where we can post scripture verses, hymns, the meaning of Christmas from a Christian perspective, photos, personal thoughts, etc. This thread can also be for Discussion regarding Christianity as long as it has to do with Christmas.
Some try to discredit Christ in Christmas saying that Christ was not born on Christmas Day Dec 25th. That's true but my question is, "Why does it matter what day we celebrate his birth as long as we celebrate it?" We've all celebrated a birthday or holiday on a different day for one reason or another. It's tradition in my family that my mother and sisters all treat the birthday girl to lunch out. Setting the date depends on what day is most convenient for everyone. The Pilgrims didn't share a feast with the Indians on the day we celebrate Thanksgiving. Some scholars say Independence Day was actually July 2. I'm sure there are others.
Jesus' birth was a gift to the whole world. He is a Light that shines into every corner of darkness....in this world and in my life. On that first Christmas, the only gifts were the ones given to the new born King. It would have seemed strange, for the wise men to exchange gifts among themselves. The gifts they gave, provided the income for the Holy Family to survive, as they traveled to safety. The beginning of God's Plan for salvation for the World, has begun. Joy, to the World,the Lord, has come!
Linus tells Charlie Brown what Christmas is all about. The specific question and answer starts at the 2:30 minute marker. Before that is the "modern spirit" of Christmas.
I do believe that giving gifts is a good tradition when kept humble and heartfelt. Not extravagant, excessive, nor out of obligation. God considers excess of of anything to be bad. Something homemade is always good but many of us have barriers for various reasons for that to happen. Ordering online or from catalogs and shopping in malls is not a problem as long as we're mindful of the extravagant/excessive/obligation rule of thumb. The intent matters. This is a grocery store's commercial but they hardly even show food….it's about the Christmas spirit.
God's plan was for Jesus Christ, Son of God, to come humbly as a an earthly man so that one day he could bear the sins of all mankind, and ultimately bear the pain of punishment for man's sin so that all believers could be forgiven and worthy for his kingdom for eternity. A free gift just for the taking. John 3:16. This is what Christians celebrate on Christ-mas morning