This is part two of Almost Getting Jesus.  It was just way too long to be a single post. 

Many believe Christmas to be Jesus’ birthday, and his birth is why we celebrate.  Yes; and no.  Mostly no.  The wise men brought gifts, which is why we exchange gifts.  Perhaps; but I don’t think so.  The true meaning of Christmas is about peace on Earth and goodwill toward men, right?  That’s what the angels proclaimed to the shepherds, but that’s not what Christmas really means to Christianity; not really.  What’s wrong with all of these statements you ask?  There’s nothing majorly wrong with them, and they are close to the Gospel.  Let me refocus your lenses just a tweak.

Christmas is about the birth of Jesus, but the baby in the manger is just the beginning.  Jesus came into the world to save sinners, in his own words.  Bethlehem was his first step toward the cross.  The Light of the World was coming into the world.  It was a means to an end.  The wise men did indeed brings gifts, but Jesus himself is the real gift.  Salvation is God’s gift to humanity, a gift that we are not worthy to receive and which cannot be earned.  The angels appeared to the shepherds telling them where to find Jesus in the manger.  The peace on earth they sang of will not fully become reality until the second coming of Jesus. 

The same people who almost get Jesus also almost get Christmas.  It is not enough to celebrate his coming into the world, we must remember why he came.  Jesus means a lot more only after we recognize that we are unrighteous and God is holy and most righteous.  When we could not come to God, he came to us.  That’s the true meaning of Christmas.