Opinion: Putting Christ Back in Christmas

By Rev. Caleb Klinge

Have you ever said something along the lines of “you shouldn’t have” and really meant it when someone gave you an over-the-top gift? I’m not talking about a sarcastic response to a cheesy white elephant gift or an obvious re-gift. I’m talking about feeling overwhelmed by the generosity of a loved one who gives you something thoughtful, costly, and above-and-beyond.

The gift might have been connected to the holiday season or a special occasion, or maybe it was unexpected. If that has happened to you, then you know that it can be difficult to receive that gift, especially when you haven’t prepared to reciprocate.

When asked about the meaning of Christmas, a lot of us would say, “it’s all about giving”. As important as giving is, I’d like to suggest Christmas isn’t primarily about giving; it’s about receiving. I know that’s a statement that sounds like it’s being made by someone who has succumbed to the commercialization of Christmas. It’s the opposite of what we often teach our children. Let me explain. This idea of Christmas being about receiving comes from an ancient prophecy given in the 7th century BC.

For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6)

Isaiah saw the everlasting God giving His Son. He saw him becoming fully human, and coming in an incredibly vulnerable condition – as an infant. Not only did Isaiah see the incarnation, he saw the heart and purpose of it. He saw why this was done and whom it was for and declared, unto us a Son is given.

The prophet looked through the corridors of time and saw a moment that defined God’s unconditional, unlimited heart of love toward us, and then he announced, almost if reading off of the “To:”  line of gift tag, that this extremely costly, over the top gift was for us - for You, for me, and for every person on the planet. 

In the New Testament John writes that “God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son (John 3:16).

Christmas is about celebrating the gift that God has given to all of humankind – the gift of His amazing grace; the gift of His love; the gift of Himself. This gift isn’t just general, it’s personal, and it’s a gift that should be unwrapped and received.

There’s another emotion that one usually feels after being overwhelmed by an amazing gift. As difficult as that gift might be to receive at first, that emotion gives way to pure joy. Joy is simply the experience of knowing that you are fully loved. That’s the core of Christmas. You are fully loved by God. 

Joy to the world, the Lord has come

Let earth receive her King.

Let every heart, prepare Him room…

The words of this carol are so true; Jesus is not a baby in a manger anymore, but He still comes to every heart that has prepared Him room. Unto us, unto you, unto me – the Son is given.

It is nearly impossible to receive this incredible gift and not have it overflow from your heart to everyone around you. That’s where receiving turns into giving - freely you’ve received, freely give.  Love, joy, hope, and peace overflows from every heart that has prepared Him room. This doesn’t start and stop with December 25, but the Christmas holiday is the perfect opportunity to become centered in the reality of God’s gift to us once again.

Reflect on God’s gift to you this season. Attend a special Christmas mass or Christmas Eve service this year. Sing a carol or two with the family around the tree. Celebrate the gift we’ve all been given. Remember the “good news of great joy for all people” that unto you, is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.”

Caleb Klinge is the lead pastor at Novato's New Life Christian Center. For more information, visit their website at www.visitnewlife.org.