Focusing on the Christ in Christ-mas: Meaningful and Memorable Celebration for Believers and Non-Believers Alike

With Santa, decorations, wish lists, shopping for gifts, holiday parties, feasting, and festivities, it’s easy to lose yourself in the commercialization of Christmas—and sometimes it can be overwhelming to the point of being depressing. But it’s important to put the focus back on the core of Christmas and put the Christ back in Christ-mas.

However spiritual you are, Christians and non-Christians all benefit from the peace, joy, forgiveness, and, perhaps most important of all, unconditional love modeled by God’s love for Christ and His love for each one of us. More than just opening presents, this holiday is a reminder of God’s love for us and the greatest gift of all, that He conquered death and gained for us eternal life, a gift of grace.

Candy Canes, Christmas Trees, And Christmas Carols

This Christ-mas, let’s challenge ourselves to look beyond materialism and delve deeper. Candy canes are not just delicious treats and decorations on Christmas trees, but symbolically represent the spiritual. The “J” shape represents a shepherd’s staff, the color red represents the blood of Christ shed for our sake, and white represents purity and holiness, intertwined.

“O’ Christ-mas tree, O’ Christ-mas tree” is not a song worshipping an ornate tree decked out to the nines; instead, it’s a celebration of Christ and is known as the “Tree of Life,” reflecting light in a dark world and blessings of wisdom and holiness.

Rooted in tradition and heralding in a joy-filled Christ-mas are the carols and hymns. Christian artists and bands, like Lauren Daigle, Chris Tomlin, Hillsong United, and MercyMe, have shared traditional Christian Christmas carols with beautiful classic and modern interpretations. Also, many mainstream artists, like Celine Dion, Michael Bublé, Sarah McLachlan, Carrie Underwood, and Mariah Carey, have released classic Christmas carols that celebrate the birth, life, and legacy of Christ that continues on.

‘Tis The Season For Giving & Forgiving

“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above”

~ James 1:17.

Recognizing and being grateful for our God-given gifts is as important as giving to others with a generous heart. Let’s be thankful for Christ’s gift of eternal life and the bountiful blessings (some in disguise) from God, as we give this and every season.

“And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.” ~ Hebrews 13:16.

Doing good for others should be a high priority. No matter what your budget is, kindness, and encouragement won’t cost you anything. Be a blessing to others with Christ-like true and genuine compassion. Offer genuine words of appreciation; encourage someone with an inspiring verse; sing someone an uplifting song; or write a letter from the heart to build strong bonds and long-term relationships.

In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive’” ~ Acts 20:35 ESV.

The more we are inclined to give, the more we will receive, but let your motivation be noble with the welfare of others in mind. Take joy in giving, even more than in receiving. Bringing a smile to light someone’s face or making them laugh can bring joy to both of you. Sharing a true message of hope with the spirit of Christ in Christmas is one of the greatest gifts you can share without cost. The price has already been paid in full and the angels are rejoicing.

It’s easy for anyone to get caught up in the glitz and glamour—the commercial appeal—of Christ-mas and the holidays. ’Tis the season for generous giving, but it’s not all about the gifts we get. Let this Christ-mas and these holidays serve as a vital reminder to return to our roots and remember why we’re giving. Whether you are a believer or not, bountiful blessings to you and your loved ones for a Merry Christ-mas, one that is most meaningful and memorable!

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Susan B. B. Schabacker

Forsyth Magazines writer since 2018. Susan Schabacker was blessed to be adopted as a baby and made her journey from South Korea to Massachusetts where she arrived safely into her adoptive mother’s loving arms. She later moved to New Mexico and, after a few years, moved to Winston-Salem, NC, to study classical ballet at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts from the eighth grade through high school. Susan has lived in the Piedmont Triad area for nearly 20 years and had the opportunity to travel to Budapest, Hungary; London, UK; and Beijing, China, where she studied abroad through Elon University. In Stockholm, Sweden, she had a marketing internship at Hachette-Filipacchi, publisher of Elle and other magazines. She graduated with a B.A. in Corporate Communications and a minor in Dance from Elon University. Susan loves writing and is pleased to have written for Winston-Salem Journal’s "Teen Page," Triad Living, KernersvilleMagazine, and of course, Forsyth Mags. She is a co-author of a children’s book, Huckleberry Robin, based on a three-generation true family story. Susan is grateful for her faith, family, and friends and is happy and excited to be part of the Forsyth Mags team. She spreads the word about Forsyth magazines and enjoys reading and sharing them with her family and friends every month.

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