“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given…” – Isaiah 9:6
Christmas has always been a time of celebration, but over the years, my understanding of its true meaning has evolved. What once centered around festivities and traditions has become a deeper reflection on the birth of Christ and the values He brings. This shift has transformed how I experience and celebrate the season.
As a child, Christmas felt like pure magic. The whole month of December was filled with excitement, from the beautifully decorated houses to the festive carol singing in the neighborhoods. We would wait eagerly for Christmas Eve, when our family would gather for midnight Mass. The streets would be alive with the sound of carols, the scent of bebinca and sorpotel, and the glow of Christmas lights. For me, Christmas was a time of joy and togetherness, where everything seemed brighter and more colorful. The sense of community was powerful, with everyone coming together to celebrate.
As a teenager, I started to realize how Christmas was becoming more about outer appearances than the true meaning of the season. Instead of focusing on the celebration of Jesus’ birth, the emphasis shifted to what we were wearing, what gifts we could get, and how we looked in pictures. There was a pressure to keep up with the latest trends, whether it was buying the perfect outfit or showing off the right kind of presents. Christmas, once upon a time for family, faith, and giving, now felt more like a competition for who had the best style. The deeper meaning of the season, like kindness, gratitude, and celebrating Jesus’ love, seemed to get lost in the rush to impress others. It became harder to connect with the true spirit of Christmas when the focus was all on appearances and material things.
Now, as an adult, my view of Christmas has matured into something more meaningful. The lights, the food, and the music still hold a sense of nostalgia, but Christmas has become a time of reflection, gratitude and reconnection. I’ve come to appreciate the deeper meaning of the season, especially the values of love, kindness and community. Christmas is no longer about what I receive but about what I give, whether that’s spending time with family or helping those in need.
It’s high time we brought Jesus back into Christmas. In a world where the season has often become overshadowed by commercialism, we must remember that Christmas is, at its core, a celebration of the birth of Christ. His arrival in the world is the true reason for the season, bringing hope, love, and salvation to all. By focusing on Jesus and His message of peace, kindness and grace, we can restore the deeper meaning of Christmas and share His love with those around us, celebrating in a way that honors His miraculous birth.
Ashodi Ferro