I wanted to ask people “of history and experience” what did Christmas mean to them. What did the “spirit” of Christmas demand?
Specifically, is it: A time for gifting?…A One-horse open sleigh?….
Jingle bells?…Lighting Christmas Trees?…Hanging Wreaths?…Santa Claus?
The accepted meaning of Christmas holds that it is the annual commemoration of the birth of Jesus Christ celebrated by billions of people worldwide. The way we celebrate varies from culture to culture but generally it is a festive time for celebration regardless of specific religious beliefs.
Lucky, because of the miracle of the written word, many people answered my question…Here is a sampling of their answers to, “what Christmas means to them”:
“Christmas in Bethlehem. The ancient dream: a cold, clear night made brilliant by a glorious star, the smell of incense, shepherds and wise men falling to their knees in adoration of the sweet baby, the incarnation of perfect love. “ –Lucinda Franks
“When we recall Christmas past, we usually find that the simplest things, not the great occasions, give off the greatest glow of happiness.” –Bob Hope
“Blessed is the season which engages the whole world in a conspiracy of love.” –Hamilton Wright Mabie
“I heard the bells on Christmas Day, their old, familiar carols play, and wild and sweet the words repeat of peace on earth, goodwill to men!” –Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
“Christmas Gift Suggestions—To your enemy, forgiveness. To an opponent, tolerance. To a friend, your heart. To a customer, service. To all, charity. To every child, a good example. To yourself, respect.” –Oren Arnold
“For the spirit of Christmas fulfils the greatest hunger of mankind.” –Loring A. Schuler
“Christmas is doing a little something extra for someone.” –Charles Schulz
“Peace on earth will come to stay, When we live Christmas every day. “ –Helen Steiner Rice
“Christmas is a season for kindling the fire for hospitality in the hall, the genial flame of charity in the heart.” –Washington Irving
“Love came down at Christmas; Love all lovely, love divine; Love was born at Christmas, Stars and angels gave the sign. “ –Christina Rossetti
“Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful.“ –Norman Vincent Peale
“What is Christmas? It is tenderness for the past, courage for the present, hope for the future. It is a fervent wish that every cup may overflow with blessings rich and eternal, and that every path may lead to peace. “ –Agnes M. Pharo
“Mankind is a great, an immense family… This is proved by what we feel in our hearts at Christmas.“ –Pope John XXIII
”Christmas celebrates the awesome and amazing fact that God is grander, wiser and more mysterious than we could have ever imagined.” –Dan Schaeffer
“The giving of gifts is not something man invented. God started the giving spree when he gave a gift beyond words, the unspeakable gift of His Son”. –Robert Flatt
“Christmas is not a time nor a season, but a state of mind. To cherish peace and goodwill, to be plenteous in mercy, is to have the real spirit of Christmas.” –Calvin Coolidge
“The hinge of history is on the door of a Bethlehem stable. “ -Ralph W. Sockman
“Good news from heaven the angels bring, Glad tidings to the earth they sing: To us this day a child is given, To crown us with the joy of heaven.” –Martin Luther
“This is Christmas: not the tinsel, not the giving and receiving, not even the carols, but the humble heart that receives anew the wondrous gift, the Christ.” -Frank McKibben
“Christmas began in the heart of God. It is complete only when it reaches the heart of man.” –Anonymous
I wanted to ask you what does Christmas mean to you?
How and why do you celebrate?
When you are answering the question, I thought you might find this interesting …
In the New Testament, where the story of Christmas was first told—the commandment to “love” your God, each other and your enemies—is referenced no fewer than 143 times.