Every time December arrives, the world feels different. Malls are festively decorated, Christmas songs play everywhere, people are busy buying gifts, ordering special food, even hunting for midnight discounts. All of that is enjoyable, but let’s be honest for a moment: what exactly are we chasing during Christmas?
Are we chasing family gathering moments? That’s good. Do we want a warm and loving atmosphere? That’s beautiful. But if we stop there, we are missing the very essence of Christmas itself. Christmas is not just about warm feelings, not about luxury, not even about tradition. Christmas is about the person who came into the world to save us: Jesus Christ.
Jesus came into the world not in the media spotlight, not in the middle of a palace feast, but in simplicity. Luke 2:7 records, “and she gave birth to her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling cloths, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.” What is simpler than a manger? But from the lowest place, the presence of God was revealed.
Often, unconsciously, we are actually chasing the ‘world’s version of Christmas’: which looks beautiful but is spiritually empty. We are busy arranging holiday schedules, but forget to make time to worship. We focus on giving gifts, but forget to give ourselves. We want Christmas to feel “wow,” but our hearts end up empty.
Jesus said in Matthew 6:33, “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” This verse reminds us that our focus determines the quality of our lives, including during the Christmas season. If our hearts are right, peace and joy will not depend on external conditions.
Perhaps we need to ask: What am I chasing this Christmas? Am I chasing a pleasant experience, or Jesus Himself? Am I busy preparing the house, but neglecting the heart?
Christmas is an invitation to refocus on Christ. He is the greatest gift, the source of true peace, and the main reason we celebrate. There is nothing wrong with gifts, delicious food, or decorations, as long as none of these replace God’s position in our hearts.
Philippians 3:8 says, “Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.” Let us pursue the most precious: the knowledge of Christ, the Savior.
When we make Jesus the center of our Christmas, true joy not only comes on December 25th, but dwells in our hearts throughout the year.
