When we think of Christmas, many things come to mind—presents, music, lights, and everything that makes the season feel special. But in the middle of all the excitement, how often do you pause to ask why we celebrate Christmas in the first place?
Beneath the presents and parties, there’s a deeper story. Christmas carries historical origins and faith-centered roots that reveal something deeper. Let’s unwrap the reasons behind some familiar Christmas traditions and reflect on their spiritual significance to better understand the “why” behind this well-loved holiday.
How and When Did Christmas Begin?
You may have heard December 25 referred to as Jesus’ birthday and assumed that was the day our Savior was born. But that’s not the case.
You might be surprised to learn that December wasn’t always connected to Christmas. In ancient times, the Romans marked this season with with winter festivals like Saturnalia—a week-long celebration with feasts and gift-giving—and Sol Invictus, which honored the “Unconquered Sun” (the Romans’ pagan sun god) right around the shortest day of the year. These festivities gave people something to look forward to during the coldest stretch of winter.
Seeing how popular these celebrations were, the early Christian church chose December 25 for Christmas, giving people a new reason to celebrate—this time focused on the birth of Jesus.
But here’s the interesting part: the Bible never actually tells us the exact date when Jesus was born. So, December 25 became a way of blending old traditions with new spiritual meaning, not following a specific date from Scripture. When we realize that, it adds another layer to the holiday, showing how history and faith have woven together to create the Christmas we know today.
Why Do Christians Celebrate Christmas?
There are all kinds of movies, songs, and stories that all point to a deeper meaning behind Christmas—reminding us that there’s more to the holiday than cookies, presents, and lights.
At its heart, Christmas is all about the birth of Jesus. We celebrate to acknowledge God’s priceless gift to humanity. It’s a season rooted in faith and marked by a powerful promise.
There’s a verse in the Bible that sums it up perfectly: John 3:16 says, “For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.”
That’s what makes Christmas so meaningful—not the date on the calendar or the presents we buy. Christmas reminds us of God’s love, the arrival of hope, and the life-changing joy that comes from recognizing Jesus as humanity’s Savior. The story of Jesus’ birth is a reminder that light and love entered the world, and that God’s promises are alive and real. Christmas invites us to pause, soak in the joy, and celebrate the hope that continues to shape lives today.
What’s the Meaning Behind Christmas Traditions?
Christmas is more than festive cheer. It’s a season rich with traditions that carry deep meaning. Each custom we enjoy points back to the heart of the holiday: God’s love revealed through Jesus.
- Gifts remind us of the greatest gift ever given—God sending his Son into the world. When we exchange presents, we echo that generosity and celebrate the joy of giving, not just receiving. This tradition also recalls the wise men who brought gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh to honor the newborn Jesus. Their offerings symbolized Jesus’ royalty, divinity, and sacrifice, reminding us that our gifts can carry deeper meaning when given with love.
- Decorations and lights brighten our homes and streets, but they also symbolize something greater. For starters, Christmas is held on the winter solstice—when days become longer. Jesus declared, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.” (John 8:12). Every twinkling light reflects this truth: Christ brings hope and guides us out of darkness—and light is coming!
- Family gatherings remind us of the importance of community and love. These moments reflect God’s love for us and his desire for us to thrive in relationships that encourage and support us—whether they’re blood relatives or found family.
When we pause to see the meaning behind these traditions, Christmas becomes more than a holiday. It becomes a living reminder of God’s presence, light, and love.
How Do We Keep These Reasons for Christmas Alive During the Holiday Season?
It’s easy to get swept up in the holiday hype of shopping, parties, and endless to-do lists. But beneath all the sparkle, Christmas invites us to focus on what truly matters: hope, love, generosity, and the life-changing message of Jesus. These aren’t just ancient ideas—they’re practical lessons we can live out today.
Hope means believing brighter days are ahead, even when life feels out of control. Love looks like reaching out with kindness, whether to those closest to us or someone who needs a little extra care. Generosity isn’t just about gifts—it’s the simple, everyday acts, like sharing what we have, lending a hand, or offering a listening ear, that can make all the difference.
And here’s the good news: you don’t have to have the “perfect” Christmas to find meaning. Whether you’re with family, friends, or celebrating on your own, Christmas is an invitation to experience God’s love in a fresh way. Let the season inspire you to spread hope, show love, and choose generosity—not just for a day, but as a way of life. That’s a gift worth celebrating, every single day. (And if you’re looking for a place to celebrate, you’re always welcome to spend Christmas with us at LCBC!)
Celebrating Christmas All Year Long
While the history of Christmas helps set the scene, what truly matters is why we celebrate: honoring Jesus’ birth and the hope he brings. This Christmas, why not take a quiet moment, maybe with a cup of cocoa or listening to your favorite playlist, to reflect on the real reason for the season: the gift of Jesus. Let the traditions and reasons behind the celebration fill your heart, and let hope, love, and generosity guide you—not just this season, but all year long.
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LCBC stands for Lives Changed By Christ. We are one church in multiple locations across Pennsylvania. Find the location closest to you or join us for Church Online. We can’t wait to connect with you!