Dr Vassilia Orfanou, Executive Board Member, LUDCI.eu
Writes for the Headline Diplomat
The message of light
December has arrived once again, bringing with it the sights, sounds, and celebrations of Christmas. Streets glow with twinkling lights, homes are adorned with festive decorations, and the air is filled with warmth as families come together to share meals, exchange gifts, and spread cheer. But beyond the tinsel, the gifts under the tree, and the hustle and bustle of holiday preparations, what is the true meaning of Christmas?
Is it the lights in the windows, the cards we send, the turkey dinners enjoyed with family and friends, or the stockings hung by the chimney? While all of these traditions are beautiful and part of the holiday spirit, they only capture a small fraction of what Christmas is truly about.
To discover the heart of Christmas, we need to look beyond the surface and embrace a deeper understanding. A timeless definition of the true meaning of Christmas was shared in The American Magazine in 1889, which states:
“To give up one’s very self — to think only of others — how to bring the greatest happiness to others — that is the true meaning of Christmas.”
This powerful statement reminds us that Christmas is about selflessness, kindness, and putting others before ourselves. It’s about creating joy in the lives of others, making a difference, and showing love in tangible ways. But there’s even more to this season, something that has lasted through centuries and continues to resonate across cultures and faiths.
At its core, the true meaning of Christmas is love. It’s a celebration of the greatest gift ever given—the gift of love itself. As we read in John 3:16-17:
“For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him.”
Christmas is the story of God’s boundless love for humanity, manifested through the birth of Jesus Christ. Why did God choose to become human? Because He loves us with an everlasting love. Why did He send His Son into the world? Because we needed a Savior. The birth of Jesus marks the moment in history when God’s love was made flesh, offering us grace, salvation, and the promise of eternal life.
This is the true heart of Christmas: a reminder that love transcends all barriers. It is the love that saves, heals, and transforms. As the Apostle John writes, “God is love” (1 John 4:8), and Christmas is a celebration of that love in its purest form. It’s a love that sees us at our worst and still offers us grace; a love that forgives, redeems, and offers hope.
In a world that can sometimes feel fractured and divided, Christmas calls us to pause and reflect on the power of love to bring us together. It invites us to share that love with others, especially those who are less fortunate, lonely, or struggling. Christmas reminds us to reach out, to give freely, and to act with kindness, compassion, and generosity.
While the joy of giving and receiving gifts is a cherished part of the season, the true essence of Christmas is found in the act of giving ourselves—our time, our attention, our care, and our love—to others. It is in offering love freely that we experience the true magic of Christmas.
So, as we celebrate this season, let us remember that the heart of Christmas is not just in the gifts we exchange, but in the love we share. Let us celebrate the birth of Jesus, who is the ultimate gift of love to the world. Let us also reflect on His example—His selfless, sacrificial love—and strive to live in a way that reflects that love each and every day.
Christmas is more than a holiday. It’s a call to love one another as God has loved us. It is a reminder that in giving, we receive, and in sharing love, we are transformed. This Christmas, may we embrace the true meaning of the season—not just in our celebrations, but in our hearts, our actions, and our lives.
“In a world that often feels divided, let Christmas be a reminder that love unites us all—no matter our differences, no matter the distance. Let us be the light that shines hope into the darkest corners and the hands that lift others up.” – Dr Vassilia Orfanou, LUDCI.eu
Merry Christmas – may love guide you in all that you do.
Featured Photo: Dzenina Lukac: https://www.pexels.com/el-gr/photo/754263/
