What are the Holidays really about?

This holiday season, even more than those in the past I have been struggling with the real meaning of Christmas. Every where you look you see commercials, sale advertisements, bargains, etc... on what you should/can buy for someone this season. Churstmas has continued to turn into a holiday about giving presents rather than giving yourself to those you love. And the expression of showing someone that you love them has been turned into the amount of money that you spend on giving that person a gift.

This is not what Christmas is about is it? Don't get me wrong I think that giving someone a gift is a nice gesture, but it is not what we should focus on around Christmas, as well as so many other holidays (i.e. Easter, birthdays, etc...).

Christmas to me is about celebrating and remembering the birth, the life, and the sacrifice of Jesus Christ - Christ (referring to Jesus) + Mas (pertaining to affecting a large number of people)  = the annual festival of the Christian church commemorating the birth of Jesus. Not the annual festival of spending money and giving presents.


Hebrews 13:!6 says "And don't forget to do good and to share with those in need. These are the sacrifices that please God." The verse mentioned really caught my attention as I pondered this thought of what the holiday season is really about to me. A few words really stuck out to me here, "share, need, and sacrifice." 

I believe that during this holiday season, or rather each day of our lives we need to share what we have with others that are around us and those that are in need, and to sacrifice our time, energy, and selves to service.

So, I guess this holiday season I plan to give myself, my heart, and my hands to those around me, rather than giving elaborate presents and spending lots of money. I feel that I can/should be doing more than what I am right now as there are so many people around me that are need. If not me, then who will do it? 

Just one of these thoughts that I am still seaching in myself for an answer. Here's another thought from Mother Teresa that helped me ponder this question:


"At the end of life we will not be judged by how many diplomas we have received, how much money we have made, how many great things we have done. We will be judged by 'I was hungry and you gave me to eat. I was naked and you clothed me, I was homeless and you took me in.' Hungry not only for bread - but hungry for love. Naked not only for clothing - but naked for human dignity and respect. Homeless not only for want of a room of bricks - but homeless because of rejection."