What Is the True Meaning of Christmas?

Each December, Christmas is celebrated by millions of people around the world, but the holiday has evolved over the years to become many different things for many different people. While many of the Christmas festivities and traditions bring loved ones together for shared fun—like decorating the Christmas tree, baking cookies, listening to Christmas music, and shopping—these activities aren’t a part of where Christmas originally comes from. So, what is the true meaning of Christmas?

The Real Meaning of Christmas

The word Christmas is believed to have first been used before the 12th-century in the form of Middle English’s “Christemass,” which translates to “Christ’s mass.” A mass is a church service or—more appropriately—a celebration. This means the true, literal meaning of the word Christmas is a celebration of Jesus Christ. So, then, why do we celebrate his birth?

If we look in the Bible, there are many verses that cover Jesus’ birth, but one of the verses that explains why we celebrate the birth of Jesus comes from Matthew 1:21 — “She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”

Christians celebrate Christmas because we are celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ, who was born to save us from our sins. This is the true meaning of Christmas. God loves us so much that He gave His only Son for our salvation. Because of this gift God so graciously gave the world, Christmas is a time to be thankful to Jesus for his sacrifice and to let him into our hearts.

This means that we should be kind to others, spreading love, acceptance, and understanding. We can often get wrapped up in the secular traditions of the holidays, but this Christmas, try to remember the real reason we hold this celebration. Act as Christ would and work to make a difference in the lives of those who need it most like He helped to save us from sin. 

One of the ways you can do this is by giving back during the Christmas season. The Canadian National Christian Foundation provides philanthropic advice and wants to connect God’s money with God’s work. 

Our staff, our leadership, and our board are all believers who want to help you manage your assets and guide you through creative giving solutions that also benefit you. We can handle non-cash gifts quickly and effectively, getting the money into the field as soon as possible with 100% of your principal always available to grant out. You can easily start a fund today!

About Canadian National Christian Foundation

CNCF is a community of givers who are seeking to advance the Kingdom of God by connecting the resources God has entrusted to them with His work on earth.

Similar to other public foundations, CNCF’s difference is the commitment of its staff and directors to the Word of God, its non-denominational history and status as a Christian foundation, and its ability to allow donors to donate anonymously, at a time and gift value of their choosing.  Learn more by visiting our website.