For Christians, the Christmas season should be about giving and remembering. Remembering God’s ultimate gift—His Son, and Jesus’ ultimate gift—His life; both are necessary that the gift of salvation might be available to the people of the world.
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.” John 3:16, 17
“What love, what wonderful love, was displayed by the Son of God! The death we deserved was suffered to come upon Him that immortality might be given to us, who could never merit such a reward. Is not salvation great in its simplicity and wonderful in its comprehensiveness? … The plan of redemption provides for every emergency and for every want of the soul.” In Heavenly Places, 37
As we listen to the beautiful music, gaze at the pretty lights, thrill as we wrap and unwrap gifts in festive paper and bright ribbons and bows, let us not forget the true meaning and reason that we celebrate at this time of year.
We should remember all through the year that Jesus left heaven to be born as a babe, to live His life so that He could bring men and women to the Father, and then to die, to pay a price we could not pay. But most of the world, even those who claim to be Christian, celebrate the birth of Christ in December. That makes this time of year an exceptional opportunity to witness to a world that may be just a little more open to hearing about Jesus and what He has done for us.
“ ‘Christmas is coming,’ is the note that is sounded throughout our world from east to west and from north to south. … But what is Christmas that it should demand so much attention? …
“It is right to bestow upon one another tokens of love and remembrance if we do not in this forget God, our best Friend. We should make our gifts such as will prove a real benefit to the receiver. …
“Let the presents you shall make be of that order which will shed beams of light upon the pathway to heaven. …
“Brethren and sisters, while you are devising gifts for one another, I would remind you of our heavenly Friend, lest you should be unmindful of His claims. Will He not be pleased if we show that we have not forgotten Him? Jesus, the Prince of life, gave all to bring salvation within our reach.” The Adventist Home, 477–480
“If Christmas is kept at all, it should be kept in a way that will be in harmony with its significance. Christ should be remembered, His name honored; the old, old story of His love should be recounted. Instead of saying by our actions that we are putting Christ out of our minds and hearts, we should testify to men, to angels, and to God, that we remember our Redeemer, by following His example of self-sacrifice for others’ good.” The Review and Herald, December 9, 1890 [Emphasis supplied.]
Lord, at this time especially, may we joyously tell the world of Your blessed birth and willing sacrifice to save mankind. May our lives reflect Your character every day of the year so that men and women can see Your love and mercy for them.