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Issue date: 12/1/09 Section: Opinion

Media Credit: Jake Borem This picture was taken at an annual Christmas celebration in Nagpur, India held by a local Christian Orphanage. Despite the possibility of intense persecution, these orphans still take the time to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas.

What does the Christmas season normally mean to you? To some, Christmas means a time to receive a large amount of random or expected gifts, travel to your great aunt's house that you haven't talked to since last year, or ride through your local park and view the impressive display of lights in the shape of a reindeer sleigh. Others seem to look forward to Grandma's one of a kind cooking and the annual trip to the Christmas tree farm with your family.

While these are all very common and typical Christmas expectations, make sure you do not forget the real reason behind the Christmas season!

I can remember as a young child, the anticipation and excitement that robbed me of my sleep every single Christmas Eve night until I was about the age 14. I could not wait to wake up to the sight of that long-awaited Christmas present glancing at me next to the Christmas tree. Whether it was the go-cart that I had wanted for the past six months, a Xbox, or when I started getting a little older, the new Alvarez guitar that I had been dreaming to get. Every year stirred up an anticipated excitement. While it's most definitely a normal and expected feeling to be in the spirit of Christmas, it's so easy to forget the meaning of Christmas.

I am not suggesting that feelings of excitement for gifts, time with family and friends, and the anticipation of just being able to relax are bad. In fact, I can't wait to get some new clothes that I have needed for a long time, eat some good food that my family has been planning to make ever since last year, and travel to Florida to see some of my closest friends. Although, I am suggesting that if we don't recognize the truth and life behind the Christmas season, than what is the point of even celebrating it?

An interview posted on Youtube.com presents the sad truth that about 80 percent of the people asked "what does the Christmas season mean to you" don't even know the real reason behind the season. Some of their answers include "receiving presents, reflecting on all the good things that have happened in the year, making those around you happy, and enjoying yourself." I don't mean to sound like your mother, but the Christmas season is not about getting a new 52-inch HD television for your living room. The Christmas season is and should be all about the birth of Jesus Christ.

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