Every year, around the world, people celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ on Christmas Day, 25 December. It's a day - and season - filled with Christmas carols, tree decorating, gift-giving and parties. And, among all the celebrations, you may be wondering: what is the real meaning of Christmas? Or, why do we have these Christmas traditions? What do they have to do with Jesus?
Our lives, country and world are far from perfect. There are always challenges and struggles we face both personally and collectively. The good news of Christmas is that even when the world or our circumstances change - the message of Christmas is timeless. Because Christmas is about the birth of God's Son - Jesus. It is about how he came to give us love, hope and joy. That message doesn't change from year to year. When there is so much bad news and devastation in the world, this is good news worth celebrating!
The Christmas story in the Bible
Around Christmas time, angels feature prominently. They adorn treetops and Christmas cards, and have starring roles in Christmas carols and plays. That's because angels were God's messengers to share the good news of Jesus' birth to Mary, Joseph and the shepherds.
In a display of the importance of women, the angel Gabriel first appeared to a young woman called Mary. He told her that she was chosen to be the mother of Jesus - that is, she would give birth to the Son of God.
“Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favour with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus,” the angel said (Luke chapter 1: verse 30-31, NIV Bible)."
Mary had every reason to be afraid. She was unmarried but engaged to Joseph. To be pregnant out of wedlock would have been scandalous. But the angel assured Mary of God’s love for her and his good plans for her. Mary acknowledged this and was grateful for the blessing of being the mother of Jesus. She sang, “all generations will call me blessed” (Luke chapter 1: verse 48, NIV Bible).>
Free Christmas activities for kids
The Salvation Army’s Kidzone team have lots of fun, free Christmas activities on their website including colouring sheets, a puzzle worksheet, printable ‘Good News’ newspaper about the Christmas story, a Santa letter template and a Christmas road trip activity sheet.
Plus, if you visit your local Salvos church or Salvos Store, you can pick up a copy of their weekly kids’ magazine or (depending on when you visit) their special Christmas edition, perfect for kids aged 5-12. This year’s Christmas issue is packed full of Christmas stories, cooking, comics, craft and a competition.
Helping kids think about others at Christmas
Christmas in Australia for kids is typically filled with visits to Santa at the shopping centre, outside carols services on warm evenings and toys on Christmas morning. But Christmas is not all about what we get. Although Christmas is a time to celebrate the good gift of Jesus that God gave to us, it’s also a time to share that gift of love and kindness with others.
This year, add a 12 Days of Goodness Advent Calendar into your family’s Christmas activities. In the lead up to Christmas, find a way to give and receive all that is good.
You may also like to get involved with the Salvos as a volunteer. It’s a great way to connect as a family while serving your community and teaching your kids about the value of helping others.