She was my mother’s mother, and I loved her more than I had words to express. The way she carefully cut a long string of paper dolls out of newspaper; always had black licorice in a red jar on her kitchen counter; played “skip, skip, skip to my lou” on the piano; and loved Jesus with every ounce of her entire body.
I called her Mama Dolly. Everyone did. She was a writer for the Atlanta Journal and Constitution, a kindergarten teacher, and a florist, and when she told stories, everyone listened. Even now as I type these words, I hear her voice somewhere deep within. Mama Dolly knew how to just be. Just be calm. Just be at peace. Just live the way one should live when Jesus is the center of her world.
Her son was born on Christmas Day in 1930. Christmas always had a unique feel to it for her. This is probably my favorite story which she often told me about the true meaning of Christmas…
The Truth Behind Christmas
People often search for the meaning of Christmas – something beyond the birthday – something deep inside that makes them feel a part of the story. Is it through songs that we find the warmth we long to have? Is it gifts – giving or receiving that should bring joy? Candles? Maybe it’s Christmas cookies and pies? Dinners? Trees? Lights? Parties? Santa? Maybe, just maybe, it is something so much more…
The shepherds knew the true meaning.
Luke 2:8-12, “And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
This message came to a group of shepherds watching over sheep. We don’t grasp the significance, but shepherds were considered lowly people. They were dirty and smelly because they lived outside for long periods. Historically, a shepherd would not be considered a reliable witness to anyone. Uneducated, poor, disrespected, of little value or stature in society – yet, they were chosen by God to be the first to hear of the birth of Jesus – the King of kings, the Lord of lords. The shepherds were special and significant to the story because they were the keepers of the sacrificial lambs. Jesus, the Lamb of God, had been born. The shepherds knew the meaning of Christmas – it is for everyone.
The animals knew the true meaning
The donkey that transported pregnant Mary to Bethlehem curled up under the star as the human mother brought the Savior into the world. There could have been an ox, a cow, sheep who arrived with the shepherds. We don’t know exactly how many animals were there, but they shared their stable with the One who came to deliver us – to save us – to love us. The animals knew the meaning of Christmas – it is to share what is given to you.
Mary and Joseph knew the true meaning
Luke 1:38, “And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.”
The enormity of the weight Mary carried – unmarried, pregnant. The law allowed Joseph to have her stoned to death. Her parents, Joseph’s parents – who would believe such a story? Yet, she chose to serve the Lord. She confidently said, “Whatever you have for me Lord, I will do. No matter the cost. I will do it.”
And Joseph, the man to whom she was engaged to be married, loved her – believed her – accepted her – faithfully walked beside her and protected her.
Matthew 1:20-25, “As he considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream. “Joseph, son of David,” the angel said, “do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife. For the child within her was conceived by the Holy Spirit.”
As they held the son of God, born to Mary, in a stable, under a star, they knew the true meaning of Christmas – it is to be willing to live the plan God has for you.
The Wisemen knew the true meaning
Travelers, stargazers, students of the cosmos… Matthew 2:9-11, “…and behold, the star which they had seen in the East went before them, till it came and stood over where the young Child was. 10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy. 11 And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother and fell and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.”
These men – 3 of them – followed a star they knew the meaning behind. They brought Him treasures because He was a King. And even when they found Him in a dirty manger, it didn’t change their view of Who He was. Imagine that. They rejoiced with great joy because they knew, that they knew, that they knew Who He was. The Wisemen knew the true meaning of Christmas – it is believing no matter what.
The Angels knew the true meaning
Luke 2:13, “And suddenly there appeared with the angel a great multitude of the Heavenly host, praising God and saying: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom His favor rests!”
I can imagine the moment God signaled to the Angels it was time. The skies were alive for He was coming – the plan – the purpose – all at that moment revealed. The sounds of their voices resonating through the night sky – “Glory to God in the highest. Praise His Holy Name” For Jesus came to save us from the enemy of our soul. He came to give us hope, peace, and eternity. Hear the angels’ voices, shouting their praises – and as the sky filled with angels, they knew the true meaning of Christmas – it is to glorify God.
Merry Christmas to all our Now Habersham readers. May the true meaning of Christmas fill your hearts today and stay with you throughout the coming year.
