What is the real meaning?

Rev. Kevin E. Tompkins | Dec 16, 2015

As I drive around our beautiful Frontenac area I notice many wonderful things. I see that people have decorated their houses with lights, snowmen, Santa Claus, the manger scene of Joseph and Mary and most importantly baby Jesus.

I hear many people saying “Merry Christmas” and “Happy Holidays” in stores and on the streets when greeting each other. I love this time of the year. We try and encourage each other, laugh with one another. It is a time of happiness, love and compassion. I see smiling faces and I listen to little children who are all excited about the gifts they are looking forward to receiving. I even hear some adults talking about what they are looking forward to giving to their children and even hoping to receive themselves, lol!

We all get so busy running here and there this time of the year. Going to school plays, work parties, visiting family and friends and many times we forget why we celebrate Christmas. What is the real meaning?

Over two thousand years ago God sent His Son into this world to teach us His love, compassion and most importantly His forgiveness. You see, we all mess up in life and do things that aren’t good and need forgiveness. We do things that sometimes hurt others and worst of all hurt God when we break His Ten Commandments. These things that break God’s Commandments are called sin. They separate us from God. But God has fixed that problem when He gave us His Son Jesus in Bethlehem, who would later be crucified and die.

Jesus was buried, but something wonderful happened three days later. He rose from the dead and gave us forgiveness. This is Easter. This isn’t some fairy tale but the truth. Not only is it in the Bible but also recorded by many historians who also witnessed and recorded these events. Whatever your celebration includes this year, let us stop and reflect on why we celebrate Christmas and realize it is all about Jesus and His love for us all! I know that there are a lot of things many people are facing this year. Some are dealing with loss of a loved one, suffering serious illnesses, facing financial difficulties and feeling all alone. I want to say that as a new resident here I have felt the wonderful love of many people. People have showed kindness, compassion and provided many things to make me feel at home which I am so thankful. I want to encourage you that no matter what you are facing in life there is hope, love and compassion from Jesus. He is a gift we all can receive. Just like He was given to us wrapped in swaddling clothes and in a manger over two thousand years ago, He is here for you today. Do you have room in your heart for Him this year?

I want to wish everyone a wonderful Christmas. I pray the Lord blesses, comforts and provides a wonderful Christmas to you all. Merry Christmas!

Rev. Kevin E. Tompkins,

Cole Lake Free Methodist Church