I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard something along the lines of, “Christmas is all about being with family.”
(I’ll be honest, I’ve heard this a lot on the Hallmark movies I watch. But also from other people.)
This expression has been bothering me a lot lately, even though I know people mean well by it.
Christmas is a wonderful, beautiful time to get together with family and love on one another.
Absolutely.
But Christmas is not about our families.
It’s not about us getting together and having a party.
Christmas is fully about Christ.
His birth and all that came from Him becoming human.
Whether or not we are with our family, the purpose of the celebration of Christmas doesn’t change even a little bit.
Because even if the party doesn’t happen, Jesus still came.
Even if your family is in a bad place and people aren’t getting along, Jesus is still God who came in human flesh.
Even if you find yourself alone on Christmas, the greatest gift you will ever receive does not change even an iota.
It’s okay to feel grief if your typical Christmas traditions aren’t happening this year with your family.
But just remember the purpose of this holiday isn’t actually just about being with your family.
It’s about Jesus.
And the beautiful thing is that no plans or lack there of can steal that from you.
It’s set in stone.
Jesus came.
He is the reason we have Christmas.
So friend, I pray this year that no matter what is happening with your family or with your plans, you will still get to experience the fullness of this holiday.
I pray you are met with the peace and love of your Father God who did something absolutely astounding over 2000 years ago... for you.
It’s truly something to celebrate.
And it’s the real purpose of Christmas.
~Kelli Bachara, The Unraveling Blog