As we know, true meaning can easily become lost. Our understanding of life and even of Christmas has often been shaped by worldly perspectives. As we approach this season, discovering the true meaning of Christmas is essential. During this time, we are surrounded by traditions and decorations that originally carried deep Christian significance. Yet over time, many of these meanings have faded or been forgotten.
In this devotional, we will highlight several Christmas traditions that have historical and spiritual meaning. Each one points us to the most important truth of all: Christmas is about our Savior, Jesus Christ. He is the reason we celebrate, and every symbol should remind us of Him.
Day 1
The Meaning of Lights
Read: John 1:1-14; John 8:12
As a kid, one of my core memories around Christmas was visiting this home where the display what out of this world. I mean, they had everything. They had everything from elves loading assembly lines of presents to reindeer taking off from the roof. They even had music synced to the lights! It was incredible! Each year, people make a great effort to go bigger and better on their display than the year before. Our idea of Christmas lights is not just a thing since the time of electricity, though. As we look back in history at the idea of modern Christmas lights, Christians used to place candles on their trees as a symbol for three important reasons. First, to declare Christ as the Light of the World.
In John 1:5, it says, “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it…” That is, Jesus – the light of the world.
Second, to represent hope in the darkness of winter. Those candles reminded believers of the hope Christ brings into a dark world. And third, to signify God’s presence. Scripture often describes God’s presence as light.
We see this in John 1:9, “The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world.”
My Next Step:
Thanks to a colleague of Thomas Edison, who created the first electric Christmas lights, we now enjoy the bright displays we see today. Strings of lights wrap around our trees, we decorate our homes, and illuminate entire neighborhoods. As we admire these lights, let us not forget their meaning: Jesus is the Light of the World.
When you are driving around town and pointing out Christmas lights to your kids, remind them that Jesus is the true Light. Even though we live in a dark world, Jesus has overcome the darkness and brings hope to all who believe.
For further study, read Matthew 5:14-16
Day 2
The Meaning of the Evergreen Christmas Tree
Read: 1 Peter 1:3-4
Is your family a real or artificial tree kind of family? Which one do you prefer? Our family always had the tradition of going to our local tree farm to pick the best-looking tree that would fit our home perfectly. And so, each year we would take off to the tree farm hoping each year: that this wouldn’t be the year we would freeze our fingers off. For those who are real tree hunters, you get this. What is amazing about our Christmas trees is that they have an original meaning behind why we use them as decorations for Christmas. Early Christians viewed the evergreen as a picture of eternal life in Christ, hope that endures through every season, and God’s unchanging nature.
Evergreens were a symbol that when everything else dies or goes dormant in winter, they remain alive and unchanged. This is also a beautiful picture of the gospel. When we choose to repent and place our faith in Jesus, we receive eternal life.
John 10:28 says, “I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish.”
God’s love for us is eternal, everlasting, and unchanging.
My Next Steps:
Take a moment with your family today to share what your Christmas tree represents: eternal life, hope that endures even in our darkest days, and God’s unchanging character.
For further study, read Hebrews 13:8
Day 3
The Meaning of Gifts
Read: Matthew 2:1-12
We love receiving and giving gifts to one another – especially around this time of year. As I think back on all the gifts I received as a kid, there are a few core ones that I really remember. I even still use them. Two specifically stand out to me: a desk and a bookshelf that my grandpa handcrafted with intentionality. These weren’t just last-minute ideas that were bought last minute. These were well-thought-out gifts that took time to carefully think about and create. I personally believe these are the best kind of gifts that have a lot of thought and meaning behind them. As we look back at history, gold, frankincense, and myrrh were gifts given to Jesus when He was born. These gifts were offered because Jesus was worthy of honor, and they gave Him their best. But above all these things, God gives us the greatest gift we could ever receive. That gift is what we celebrate on December 25th each year.
John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son.”
God gave us His Son as a gift. We did not deserve it, and we certainly did not earn it.
Ephesians 2:8–9 says, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith, and this is not from yourselves; it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast.”
Gift giving mirrors our salvation. Gifts are not earned; they must be received. God gave us Jesus, and all we need to do is receive Him as our Lord and Savior.
My Next Step:
This Christmas, let your gift giving reflect the greatest gift we have ever received. Be sure to give thought and intentionality to each one. And share with those who receive your gifts that the greatest gift anyone can receive is Jesus as their Lord and Savior. Jesus is the ultimate gift, the one gift that brings eternal life, hope, forgiveness, and a restored relationship with God.
For further study, read Romans 6:23; John 3:16; Ephesians 2:8-9
Day 4
The Meaning of the Wreath
Read: Isaiah 9:6-7; Romans 8:38-39
Decorations have become a big part of the Christmas season. One of the most common decorations is probably hanging on your front door or somewhere in your home: the wreath. In ancient Greece and Rome, wreaths were used to symbolize honor and divine favor and were awarded to athletes, poets, and military leaders. Today, we use them as decorative items, but wreaths are not just a meaningless green circle. Throughout history, they have carried deep significance, especially in Christmas traditions.
So, what does this green circle mean? The circle represents God’s eternal love and the never-ending life we receive in Christ. It has no beginning and no end, symbolizing eternity. Just like the Christmas tree, wreaths represent hope, resilience, and eternal life. Some wreaths include candles for Advent, symbolizing hope, peace, joy, and love, and expressing anticipation of Christ’s return and His light. By the nineteenth century, wreaths began to include holly berries, which symbolize the crown of thorns and the blood of Christ.
My Next Step:
Wreaths serve as a beautiful reminder as you welcome people into your home that God’s love is eternal and never ending. As you reflect on the meaning of Christmas, take a moment to show your children the wreath on your door and explain that its circle represents Christ’s eternal and never-ending love for them. If you do not have a wreath, this could be a wonderful opportunity to make one together as a family and talk about what it represents.
For further study, read: Isaiah 40:28-31
Day 5
The Meaning of the Nativity Scene
Read: Luke 2:1-20
Nostalgia hits hard when you’re scrolling through channels and stumble upon A Charlie Brown Christmas. One glance at Snoopy’s glittering doghouse and the sound of that iconic tune, and you’re transported to a world where Christmas is pure and simple.
In the story, Lucy convinces Charlie Brown to direct the school Christmas play. He agrees and picks out a small, scraggly tree for the stage… only to be laughed at by everyone. Discouraged, Charlie Brown asks if anyone knows what Christmas is really about. That’s when Linus steps forward and recites Luke 2:8–14, reminding everyone that Christmas is about the birth of Jesus.
The Nativity – the very subject of the play represents a powerful visual of that moment. It depicts Mary, Joseph, the shepherds, the wise men, the animals, and the star, all gathered around the newborn Savior.
This tradition began in 1223 with St. Francis of Assisi, who wanted people to truly grasp the humility of Jesus’ birth. He created the first live Nativity in Greccio, Italy, using real people and animals to bring Luke 2 to life.
Over time, the Nativity evolved into artistic displays and figurines for homes and churches. But it’s not just a small tradition – it represents a real historical event. The Nativity reminds us that God became flesh and dwelt among us.
Luke 2:10-11 says, “But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.”
Jesus came in humility, born in a manger, to bring salvation to the world.
My Next Step:
Take time with your family to read Luke 2:1–20. Reflect on the story of Jesus’ birth and remind your children why He came. Add a twist and have some fun by playing out the entire event that takes place.
For further study, read John 1:14
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