Author's Note: All previous volumes of this series are here. The first 56 volumes are compiled into the book "Bible Study For Those Who Don't Read The Bible." "Part Two," featuring volumes 57-113, was published in December 2022.
Merry Christmas, everyone! I hope your holiday sparkle season has been filled with the joy of parties, lights, overindulging, and maxing out your credit cards. Isn't that what Christmas is all about? NOT! Unfortunately, the real meaning of this "federal holiday" is often overlooked and misunderstood by vast swaths of the population. So, let's discuss what you can do to change that on the Sunday before Christmas.
But first, a little history. During the first 80 years of the United States, Christmas was widely celebrated, but it was not yet a federal holiday. "The Christmas national holiday effort began when a bill to make Christmas [official] was introduced into the House of Representatives by Rep. Burton Chauncey Cook of Illinois. It passed in both houses of Congress, and President Grant signed it on June 28, 1870."
I often joke that (if God forbid the heathens take over), the official greeting will be "Merry Federal Holiday" because in the future, a legally recognized day celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ might be considered offensive to vast swaths of the population. Don't laugh. Instead, check out Vol. 297: "Biblical Time Keeping – BC and AD Versus BCE and CE," as an example of how changing cultural norms try to reduce Jesus's influence.
Now, back to “The Meaning of Christmas for Those Who Don’t Have Faith.” A few years ago, I attended a Christmas party at a beautifully decorated home. The hosts weren’t religious, but they fully embraced and celebrated all that the secular season offered. Quietly, I asked their 8-year-old son if he knew what Christmas was about. He answered: “It’s about some kid.”
Try not to be shocked. Kids only know what they are taught or observe. Growing up Jewish, it took me a while to understand the meaning of Christmas. (More on that later.)
So, what can non-churchgoers who don't believe in Christ learn from this federal holiday that celebrates the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ?
Although "Peace on earth, goodwill toward men" is an old cliché, it is rare to find someone who celebrates a secular Christmas and is against peace and goodwill. So that is a good place to start.
Making the season emotionally meaningful is crucial for people who want to feel connected to "community" and bond with friends and family, especially if they are isolated, lonely, or detached. Unfortunately, that is also why depression rises during this time of year, when those who are struggling imagine the rest of the world sitting by a cozy fire surrounded by loved ones, and they are not.
Today, those feelings have increased because fewer people participate in community groups, socialize less, and spend more time at home in front of screens for work or entertainment.
Secular Christmas creates a unique desire to feel part of this uplifting, merry season to "join the crowd." Meanwhile, those with faith often enjoy a Christ-centered season filled with hope, love, and the light that overcomes darkness.
Believers also know that the Jewish Jesus was born into a dark world where His oppressed people lived under Roman rule, and He entered the world in lowly circumstances.
"And while they [Mary and Joseph] were there [Bethlehem], the time came for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn" (Luke 2:6-7).
By design, Lord Jesus, the King, who reigns forever and ever, was not born in a palace. That is why the biblical Christmas story elevates the humble, reminding us that the lowly matter. Therefore, one could say that Christmas is about human dignity and making time to help those less fortunate. That cultural message plays out in toy drives for needy kids, requests to beef up food banks, and calls for community volunteering. Thankfully, the Christmas season also sees an uptick in charitable contributions.
All that is good. But the most important meaning of Christmas for those without faith is that Jesus embodies love. The Apostle John said it so beautifully:
"Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God" (1 John 4-7).
And this too:
"We love because he first loved us" (1 John 4-19).
Wow, that is powerful and can connect the unchurched to the real meaning of Christmas. Speaking of "the unchurched" on Christmas, here is my story that I alluded to earlier. I write this (not for the first time in this nearly seven-year-old Bible study series that began in February 2020), but it is worth repeating in relation to today's topic.
When I was a sophomore in high school, my senior boyfriend invited his "Yid girlfriend" (a joking term of endearment) to midnight Mass at the local Catholic church. My Jewish non-religious parents said "yes," knowing it was the first time I had ever set foot in a church, and they saw it as a cultural experience. As I was leaving, I remember my father yelling, "No kneeling!"
I had no idea what to expect, and keep in mind I had no faith, except that I knew "Jews did not believe in Jesus because we were Jews" — quoting my mother.
This Christmas Eve experience turned out to be mind-blowing. The old Gothic church, the beautiful music, all the candles and decorations were unlike anything I had ever seen. I had no idea what the Mass was about, and to me it sounded like total gibberish. Heeding my father's warning, I was the only one who didn't kneel, but that didn't matter. What mattered was that I felt love. The church was filled with such love amid that beautiful setting, and it was then that I learned what Christmas was about.
This story has a lesson: on Christmas, invite an unchurched friend to attend church. Maybe even a Jewish friend or neighbor, if they are open, and tell them they don't have to kneel. Then, perhaps they will understand the true meaning of Christmas — a miracle baby was born, the King of Israel, and "we love because he loved us."
Merry Christmas, and I send love to all my loyal readers and newcomers, too.
Myra Kahn Adams is a conservative political and religious writer. Her book "Bible Study For Those Who Don't Read The Bible" reprints the first 56 volumes of this popular study. "Part 2," reprints Vols. 57 –113. Order it here.
She is also the Executive Director of the National Shroud of Turin Exhibit. You can join our new effort in Orlando, Florida. Contact: Myraadams01@gmail.com