The True Meaning of Christmas

The real meaning of Christmas, the season of good cheer, is about giving– especially to provide assistance to those who need help just to get by, those who don’t have the material resources to enjoy the Christmas season. The importance of giving to those in need during Christmas is embodied in the story of Jesus’ birth, which is the reason Christmas is celebrated.

Christians believe that Jesus was born to save mankind from sin by giving eternal salvation to all who believe in the Word of God and follow the principles for living in the Bible. Jesus therefore gave in the ultimate way–He offered himself as a sacrifice for every living person. Christians believe that Christmas should be about following the example of Jesus by giving of oneself to others, especially to those who are in need.

This purpose of Christmas is actually very significant because research conducted by social service organizations has shown that Christmas is an exceptionally common time for depression among people with problems and others who just don’t have the means and resources to enjoy the merriment of the holidays.

The hundreds of Santa letters written by children are often a sad testament to the many unmet needs of families and individuals during the festive Christmas and holiday times. Just about every child knows the story of Santa Claus, and up to the age of 7 or 8 years, most children believe the story about Santa Claus bringing toys and other gifts. That’s the reason why so many young children often write letters to Santa at Christmas time asking for toys and other gifts because their parents will not be able to give them the Christmas toys or Christmas gifts that they want.

Thankfully, many volunteer and charitable organizations work hard to fulfill the needs of children as well as adults during the Christmas season. One of the most notable organizations is the Salvation Army which has a history of giving service to those in need. According to The Salvation Army’s website, the organization as it is known today was started in 1865 by a Methodist minister, William Booth, and his wife Catherine. They formed a group that preached and provided food and shelter to the homeless, the hungry, and alcoholics in need of recovery services in London’s East End. First known as ‘The Christian Mission,’ Booth and his followers started to use the “Salvation Army” name in 1878.  The Salvation Army is now uniquely associated with the Christmas season through its many representatives who dress up as Santa Claus and stand outside retail establishments ringing their bells as they seek donations from shoppers to help the poor at Christmas.

Individuals also play Santa Claus at Christmas time and help out those in need by donating toys and gifts through their companies or other business enterprises. These groups usually have a box or an area where new toys or clothing can be dropped off. These items are then donated to families in need or to social service providers for distribution to the needy during the Christmas season.