When fall has given way to winter and snow covers the ground while lights twinkle from house to houseyou know that Christmas is coming. Christmas is one of the most important Christian and cultural holidays of the yearbut what is the true meaning of Christmas? Is it the gifts? Is it the annual economic boost?
Christmas is the celebration of Jesus Christ’s birth—the incarnation of God with us. Beyond gifts and traditionsits core meaning is worshiping the Savior who came to bring hopepeaceand salvationremembered through Scripturehistoric practicesand acts of love toward others.
The meaning of Christmas can vary for different people and culturesbut it is generally celebrated as a Christian holiday that commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ. For ChristiansChristmas is a time to reflect on the significance of Jesus' birthemphasizing themes of lovepeaceand goodwill toward all.
Beyond its religious rootsChristmas has evolved into a widely celebrated cultural and festive occasion in many parts of the world. It often involves exchanging giftsspending time with family and friendsdecorating homes with festive ornamentsand partaking in special meals and traditions.
Christmas is a time of spiritual reflection on the important foundations of the Christian faith. It’s also a celebration. It’s when Christians celebrate God’s love for the world through the birth of the Christ child: Jesus. The Bible tells of his birth hundreds of years beforefulfilling prophecies.
Meaning of the Word 'Christmas'
The term originates from the Old English Cristes mæsseor "Christ's Mass," first recorded in historical documents around 1038. This phrase evolved into Middle English as Cristemassebeautifully capturing the heart of this holiday as a time to honor and remember the birth of Jesus Christ.
In Christian tradition"Mass" refers to the celebration of the Eucharist—an essential and sacred observance commemorating the lifedeathand resurrection of Jesus. By coming together for "Christ’s Mass," early believers celebrated His entrance into the worldsetting the stage for a transformative message of hope and salvation.
You might have also seen the term "Xmas," which sometimes causes confusion. But "Xmas" has deep roots in the Greek languageas the letter "X" (Chi) is the first letter in Χριστός (Christos)which means "Christ." Far from being a modern abbreviation"Xmas" holds a richhistorical connection to Christ and reminds us of the enduring message of Christmas: that Jesus came to be with us and bring us closer to God.
Soas we say “Merry Christmas,” let's remember its profound meaning—a celebration of Christ with us!
Origin of the Christmas Story in the Bible
The Christmas story is recorded in Luke 2:4-19.
"So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judeato Bethlehemthe town of Davidbecause he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Marywho was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were therethe time came for the baby to be bornand she gave birth to her firstborna son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger because there was no room for them in the inn.
“And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearbykeeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to themand the glory of the Lord shone around themand they were terrified. But the angel said to them‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Todayin the town of Davida Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.’
“Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angelpraising God and saying‘Glory to God in the highestand on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.’
“When the angels had left them and gone into heaventhe shepherds said to one another‘Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happenedwhich the Lord has told us about.’ So they hurried off and found Mary and Josephand the babywho was lying in the manger. When they had seen himthey spread the word concerning what had been told them about this childand all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart." (Luke 2:4-19)
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The Angels Bring Good News
In the quiet fields outside Bethlehemthe shepherds were visited by an angel who proclaimed“Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people” (Luke 2:10). This was no ordinary announcement—it was a declaration that the long-awaited Savior had arrived. The angel's message reminds us that Christmas is about more than festive traditions; it’s a celebration of the hopepeaceand joy that came with Jesus’ birth.
The angel declared the arrival of Emmanuelmeaning “God with us.” This namefirst foretold by the prophet Isaiah (Isaiah 7:14)encapsulates the profound truth of Christmas. In JesusGod came to dwell among us—not as a distant deity but as a humbleapproachable Savior. Emmanuel means that we are not alone in our struggles or sorrows. God stepped into our worldwalked in our shoesand offered Himself as the bridge to eternal life.
This powerful truth transforms how we see the season. The angels’ proclamation wasn’t just for the shepherds; it’s for us today. It’s a reminder that no matter our circumstancesEmmanuel—God with us—is present in our lives. He brings good news of salvationpeace in the chaosand joy in every heart that receives Him. This Christmasmay the angels’ message of hope echo in our hearts as we celebrate the gift of God’s presence with us.
True Meaning of Christmas: Celebrating the Savior
Jesus was born in order to pay the price for the things we have done wrong: sin. God sent his only son to be the atonement for all our sins so that we would not be separated from God. Without Jesuswe would all die for our sins. We inherited our sinful nature from the first human beings God createdAdam and Eve. While being fully God and yet fully manJesus came into the world as an infant to save us all.
Most Christmas traditions vary in significance and symbolic meaning. For examplewe exchange gifts because God sent us the most precious gift: his only Son. Alsothree Wisemen visited Jesus and brought gifts as well. A poem titled A Visit from St. Nicholas, penned in 1822popularized the tradition of exchanging gifts too.
Although people worldwide celebrate Christ’s birth on December 25thit was likely that he was born on a different month and date. The church in the 4th century chose December 25th as it coordinated with the Solstice on the Roman Calendar. (See: When Was Jesus Born?)
For Christiansthe true meaning of Christmas is the celebration of the SaviorJesus Christ. We know that through belief in Christwe are daughters and sons of God. Heaven will one day be our home. Perhaps this will help you look at the Christmas season differently this year. A chance to truly take in the wonder and awe of the season.
History of Christmas Traditions
Christmas is full of beautiful symbolseach with its own way of pointing us back to the Gospel story and the hope we have in Jesus. Let’s take a closer look at some of them and the meaning they carry:
The Evergreen Tree
The evergreen treewith its year-round colorreminds us of eternal life—the promise we have in Christ. Tradition says that Martin Luthera leader of the Reformationintroduced the first Christmas tree in his home. He decorated it with candles to represent Jesus as the Light of the World. Isn’t it amazing how something as simple as a tree can remind us of God’s never-ending love? (Isaiah 60:13; John 8).
Holly
Have you ever noticed the sharppointed leaves of holly? They’re like the crown of thorns Jesus wore as He bore the weight of our sins on the cross. It’s a humbling reminder of the incredible sacrifice He made for us (Matthew 27:29).
The Color Red
The bright red we see in so many Christmas decorations is more than just festive—it speaks of Jesus’ bloodshed for us. It’s a quiet yet powerful reminder of His gift of salvation and the love that covers us.
Giving Gifts
Our tradition of exchanging gifts goes all the way back to the Magiwho brought goldfrankincenseand myrrh to Jesus. Their offerings symbolized His kingshipthe sorrow of His sacrificeand His role as God’s perfect gift to the world. Every time we give or receive a giftwe can think of the greatest gift of all—Jesus (Matthew 2).
The Yule Log
The yule logonce carried into homes to burn for twelve dayssymbolizes Christ’s sacrifice and the warmthjoyand unity we find in Him. It’s a picture of how Jesus’ love lights up our lives and brings us together.
Mistletoe
Mistletoe might seem like just a fun Christmas traditionbut it has long been a symbol of peace. Through Christwe have the ultimate peace—reconciliation with God. It’s through Him that we find rest for our souls (Romans 5:1; Romans 8:1).
Bells
Bellswith their bright and cheerful soundremind us of their original purpose—to announce news. For usthey point to the Good News of Christ’s birththe ultimate message of hope and salvation.
Heather Riggleman calls Nebraska home (Heyit’s not for everyone) with her three kids and husband of 20 years. She writes to bring bold truths to marriagecareermental healthfaithrelationshipscelebration and heartache. Heather is a former national award-winning journalist and is the author of Mama Needs a Time Out and Let’s Talk About Prayer. Her work has been featured on Proverbs 31 MinistriesMOPSToday's Christian Woman and Focus On the Family. You can find her at heatherriggleman.com.
Photo Credit: Getty
This article is part of our larger Christmas and Advent resource library centered around the events leading up to the birth of Jesus Christ. We hope these articles help you understand the meaning and story behind important Christian holidays and dates and encourage you as you take time to reflect on all that God has done for us through His SonJesus Christ!
What Is Advent: MeaningHistoryand Traditions
Advent Prayers for FriendsFamilyand More
What Is an Advent Wreath and How to Use One?
The History of Santa Claus: Origin of St. Nicholas
Christmas Bible Verses & Scripture Story
What is Christmas? True Meaning and Holiday History
Christmas Eve History and Traditions
Why GoldFrankincenseand Myrrh?
When Was Jesus Born? Why December 25th
Where Was Jesus Born?
