The real meaning of Christmas is Jesus came to save us from our sins, but also to invite us to share an ongoing intimate relationship with Him as we grow and mature spiritually!
What’s the Real Meaning of Christmas?
Ok, so Christmas is about celebrating Jesus’ birth and how He came to save us from our sins, right? This is where it all begins, yes!
This truth remains central, but have we ever asked ourselves what He saved us for?
He came to save us so we could enjoy an intimate relationship with Him and truly know Him at the deepest level.
We look at natural things to explain the spiritual, so consider this example.
I remember visiting my newborn granddaughter, Abigail, for the first time. I knew her name and her parents, but not much else.
I understood a few general facts about babies, how they often respond to a warm embrace, or how some refuse a pacifier. Yet I did not know Abigail herself—not her unique personality or what made her feel safe and loved.
Over time, my knowledge of her grew. I observed her gentle preferences—how she liked me to hold her, the rhythm of my bounce that comforted her, and the toys that captured her attention.
As she moved from a fragile newborn to a curious toddler and then to a thoughtful eight-year-old, our relationship developed in new and wonderful ways.
Once I simply rocked her to sleep. Now we still snuggle close, but we share stories and discuss ideas that matter to her.
Our closeness deepens as she matures physically, mentally, emotionally, socially, and spiritually. Each new stage introduces me to a different side of Abigail.
Our relationship with God follows a similar pattern.
We may know basic truths about Him from Scripture. We learn He is holy, loving, good, and wise.
Yet we continue to discover who He really is as we continue to engage with Him in the details of our daily lives.
As we grow and mature spiritually, emotionally, and mentally, we experience new dimensions of His character.
The Meaning of Christmas for Spiritual Growth
Isn’t this what Christmas points us toward as well?
Our Creator Father, who has desired close fellowship with His children since Eden, came to earth in flesh through Jesus. He came not only to rescue us from sin; He also came to draw us into close companionship.
The Christmas story shows God’s desire to dwell with us, so we can know Him on a profound, personal level.
He saved us not only from something, but for something—intimate friendship with Him.
No matter how much we think we understand about God, there is always more to discover.
We can gain information from the Bible, and that is a wonderful start.
Yet, if our goal is to know God intimately, we must engage in real conversations with Him.
We bring our questions, our disappointments, and our fears directly to Him.
We set aside moments to fix our thoughts on His goodness and trust that He will meet us there.
He invites this process of discovery—this dialogue that deepens our relationship and transforms us.
This does not happen once and remain static.
We keep coming back, as I keep returning to my granddaughter, eager to discover more of who she is and how she views the world.
God wants the same ongoing fellowship with us.
Christmas is the Perfect time to Grow Spiritually
The Christmas story testifies He chose to come close, to enter our world, and to experience our struggles.
Jesus’ birth in a humble manger proclaims that God does not stand far off.
He wants to be near us, to guide us, comfort us, and shape us. He saves us so that we may spend time together in a living, dynamic relationship.
The power and meaning of Christmas as the moment God came to earth as a man is astonishing. But, more than that to understand how much God wanted sons and daughters that love Him back amazes me!
- First, this time of year is perfect for turning our thoughts in meditation toward this amazing truth! The Apostle Paul advises us to set our minds on heavenly things (Romans 8:5; Colossians 3:2).
- Then secondly, we can look for places God is working in our everyday life. We can notice His goodness in a kind gesture, or sense His presence in a quiet moment, and recognize His creativity in the beauty of nature. We can turn these observations into worship and praise. The Apostle Paul urges us to dwell on whatever is true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, excellent, and worthy of praise (Philippians 4:8).
- Thirdly, As sons and daughters of God, we can bring Him our hearts. This means we come close with all our joys and thanks, but also with all our questions, disappointments, fears, and anxieties. He wants us to bring Him all our feelings. He invites us to come with it all!
- Fourthly, We can set our heart and mind on Him more often. I learn more about Abigail by spending time with her, and I learn more about my heavenly Father by setting my heart on Him repeatedly throughout the day.
Instead of waiting until Sunday morning or a special occasion, I approach Him often. As I do this, I discover more of His heart and experience more of His love.
The Real Meaning of Christmas is That God Wants Ongoing Fellowship With You!
This is the real meaning of Christmas: God longs to know you and for you to know Him. He came for relationship, not just rescue. He offers you the gift of His companionship, and as you spend time in His presence, you will discover new layers of His heart. He saved you for this—to be with Him, to enjoy Him, and to understand Him more intimately than you ever thought possible.
Tips to Experience the Real Meaning of Christmas
- Find small moments to direct your thoughts toward Jesus. Consider a Scripture verse, a worship chorus, an image of Him in your mind, or a simple prayer. Use the drive to work, a quiet break at lunchtime, or a pause before bed to reconnect with Him.
- Set a simple goal to give Him your attention at intervals throughout the day. Even a single minute every hour can refocus your heart on Him and His goodness.
- Use reminders—an alarm on your phone or a note on your desk—to lift your gaze toward heaven.
- Wear a simple object, like a rubber band on your wrist, as a prompt to pause and consider God’s presence.
- Think of Jesus before you drift off at night and the moment you wake. Let these times invite Him into your dreams and ambitions.
My Prayer for Your Spiritual Growth: Dear Lord, I ask you to strengthen these readers to pursue you wholeheartedly. I ask that you draw them close to you. Comfort and heal all the secret places in their heart that would shy away from Your presence. Stir their desire and awaken their spiritual senses to receive all the glorious adventures in Your kingdom! Open their hearts to more of Your love. Provide all that they need according to Your riches in glory! Bless them and their families this Christmas! Amen!
See These Related Posts:
5 Ways to Overcome Christmas Stress in the Season of Miracles and Wonder
7 Ways the Holy Spirit Led the Ancient Magi
The Surprising Secret to an Intimate Friendship with God
Can You See the Miraculous? All the Miracles Around Jesus’ Birth
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