Around the world, thousands of Christians are preparing to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. Trees are decorated, gifts are wrapped, and loving service has been offered. It truly can be one of the most joyous and spirit-filled times of the year.
Christmas also provides a wonderful opportunity for reflection and revelation. One of the most important questions we can ask ourselves is this: “What does the birth of Jesus Christ mean to me?”
It is a simple question with deep and powerful answers. Hope. Peace. Redemption. The fulfillment of an eternal promise. The greatest gift of all. Each is as different and as personal as your relationship with Christ. It may even seem like there are too many answers and the glory of it all is overwhelming.
If you would like to invite the true spirit of Christmas into your life this season, consider using the thoughts below to ponder and study this most important question.
“The Babe of Bethlehem”
Read the eighth chapter of “Jesus the Christ” by James E. Talmadge. It provides a more comprehensive and in-depth look into the traditional Nativity story. With more knowledge of Christ’s birth, you can create a stronger foundation on why the birth of Jesus Christ is so important for all mankind.
Read the Prophecies
As part of God’s eternal plan, a Savior was promised. For thousands upon thousands of years, believers looked forward to the coming of Christ; prophets always testified it would come. By reading these prophecies, found in both the Bible and the Book of Mormon, we can partake of the eagerness and hope felt by so many before us.
The Condescension of Christ
Jesus Christ was born of “humble birth.” Though not much is known of his formative years, we know he lived as a child and grew up to be a man. He experienced the mechanics of day-to-day life. He was temped and tried. Christmas is a time to contemplate the condensation of Christ and how his humanity can strengthen our relationship.
Spend Time With Christ
It is Christ’s birthday? Will we make the time to be with him? It can be hard, with the celebrations and gifts. Try to set aside some time on Christmas to talk with him and think of him. Play inspiring carols and hymns. Set aside distractions and gifts. Try to eliminate the stress of the holidays for just a moment.
A Prayer of Gratitude
On Christmas, say a prayer of gratitude for Christ. It is one of the best ways we can spend time with Christ. Contemplate what you have in your life because of Jesus Christ. Write these things down in a special place you can remember them. Thank God in prayer for these very many things.
Sharing what Jesus Christ’s birth means to you is a beautiful and sacred missionary opportunity. We would love to hear your thoughts below.
Aleah is a graduate of Southern Virginia University, where she studied English, Creative Writing, and Dance. She now works full time as a marketing and product manager, writer, and editor. She currently hosts the podcast “Single to the Glory” about singlehood in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Aleah served a mission in California and loves baking, Lang Leav poetry, Gaynor Minden pointe shoes, and Bollywood movies.
