People around here love Christmas. Well maybe not the grumpy local atheist who argues that the city should take “Merry Christmas” off of the city buses. But I suspect that even he likes the “Happy Holidays” that occur this time of year.

We love to decorate for the holidays. We love to eat in celebration of the holidays. And we love to get gifts.

Something Deeper

But I think there is a deeper, existential reason that people love the holidays. I think Christmas gets to the meaning of life and, for at least a short time, it gives many a sense of purpose.

“  Christmas gets to the meaning of life and, for at least a short time, it gives many a sense of purpose.

My family and I recently watched a couple of old Christmas episodes of Alvin and the Chipmunks. And like most good Christmas shows, Alvin had to learn that Christmas was not all about getting gifts. Alvin had to learn to look past his selfishness and realize that Christmas wasn’t about him.

Most Christmas movies will tell you that Christmas is all about family or love or giving—it’s about something other than our own self-fulfillment. It’s about relationship.

Christmas and the Meaning of Life

This so-called “true meaning of Christmas” points to the fact that there is a meaning and purpose to life that is bigger than “me.” Life is not just about living for myself, much of which can end up feeling like meaninglessness—getting the latest gadgets, going on the most exotic vacations, and gaining a bigger house, a nicer car, and a higher salary.

“ The true meaning of Christmas points to the fact that there is a meaning and purpose to life that is bigger than me.

Everything gets its value and purpose primarily from its creator. (For example, cars were made to help people travel, so that is their purpose.) And this is also true of humanity. God created humanity for relationship—relationship with God, and relationship with others. Jesus indicated our relational purpose when he summarized our highest call as loving God and loving “your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:36-39).

A Reason to Love Christmas

I think most people like Christmas because this is the one time of year when our society, at least to some extent, actually encourages us to live meaningful lives—lives that are in line with why God created us. This time of year reminds people that life is about love and relationships.

Christmas is, of course, also about Jesus Christ—after all, the holiday is named after him! And this just makes the holidays all the more happier (Matthew 1:21).

Merry Christmas, everyone!

You might also be interested in these posts:

• The Significance of the Holy Spirit at Christmas
• 10 Bible Verses You Can Legitimately Declare Over Your Life
• Advent Candle Readings for Families with Children

Andrew K. Gabriel, Ph.D., is the author of Simply Spirit-Filled: Experiencing God in the Presence and Power of the Holy Spirit (forthcoming) as well as three academic books, including The Lord is the Spirit. He is a theology professor at Horizon College and Seminary and serves on the Theological Study Commission for the Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada. You can follow him on Facebook or on Twitter.

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