What Does Christmas Mean to You?

This is a story that I wrote while in junior high.  

“What Does Christmas Mean To You?”

Marcy’s family belonged to a small country church, so instead of having a Christmas play each child was asked to answer a question about Christmas.

When the Sunday School teacher gave Marcy her question, she said “Marcy, you will find many answers to this question, but I want you to find the true meaning of Christmas.  I know you can do it, so don’t get discouraged.”

Marcy thought that of course Christmas means that it is time for Santa Claus to come. Or does it? Maybe it means something more.

Marcy thought about her question and decided to ask people what Christmas meant to them.  She would start tomorrow in school and write it all down so she wouldn’t forget a word.

The next day she asked Kristine, her best friend, what Christmas meant to her.  Kristine replied with a laugh, “It’s a time when Daddy spends so much money on us he starts complaining, but he always gives us what we want.”

During recess Marcy asked her teacher, Mrs. Gray; “What does Christmas mean to you?”

Mrs. Gray answered, “A time of hurrying.  I rush from place to place trying to find toys and gifts for the children.  If I can’t find it in one store, I rush to another.  What a relief when Christmas is over!”

Next Marcy asked Joey.  Joey’s family didn’t have much money even though his dad worked long, hard hours.

Joey smiled as he said, “Christmas is the one day Dad doesn’t work.  He stays home with Mom and us 10 kids.  It is so much fun to have him home that day as we hardly ever see him.”

That night Marcy went home discouraged. She thought. People don’t have the right meaning for Christmas. They aren’t really happy.  They even dread the thought of Christmas coming.  But then they all seem to think of themselves.  There must be some reason for having Christmas, otherwise why wouldn’t people just quit having it if they hate it so much.  Mr. Green, the policeman, should have a good meaning.  I’ll ask him tomorrow.

The next day Marcy found out Mr. Green didn’t have such a good answer after all.

“Christmas is when I decorate my house inside and outside.” He said, “ You like beautiful lights, don’t you, Marcy?”

“Yes,” she replied. “It makes everything so pretty.

“Well,” Mr. Green continued, “So do a lot of other people.  So I work hard to make my house pretty. That way I feel like I am helping to make some person happy or helping to make one person forget his or her troubles for a while.  It brightens their day.”

As Marcy walked on she thought:  He was at least thinking of someone else.  But do pretty lights really give happiness?  There must be something or someone to give happiness.

Then Marcy saw Mr. Miller coming toward her.  He was a manager of a department store. 

“Mr. Miller” she asked “What does Christmas mean to you?”

“Money” he said as he wrung his hands together. “Money! People are so careless with money at Christmas.  They buy a lot of things that that they don't want or need.  But I get rich at Christmas time so don’t tell this to anyone.”

Next Marcy met Mr. Molin, an insurance agent.  She decided to try once more.

“Mr. Molin” she sighed, “What does Christmas mean to you?”

 “Christmas” he frowned “is a time of worry.  People travel a lot during the holidays and we worry about accidents that will cost the company a lot of money.  An accident means quite a loss.”

Money, Money she thought, Money is even more important than human lives.  Is that why people are so unhappy?

As Marcy walked along she looked at the Christmas decorations.  Then she saw it. “Merry Xmas!”

Merry Xmas! What was missing?  It looked so short, but what was wrong.

When Marcy reached home she saw a letter that her brother, Jason, had written to her. Jason was attending a Bible College in Minnesota.   When she turned the envelope over she saw a Christmas seal, which said, “Keep Christ in Christmas.”

Then she knew what was wrong.  People were leaving Christ out of Christmas.  How could people really be happy without Christ?  They don’t only leave Him out of Christmas; they leave Him out of their lives completely.  No wonder Christmas is dreaded by so many.  They don’t have Christ.

She glanced at the letter and remembered that she hadn’t read it yet. 

 

Dear Sis,

 I won’t be home until Christmas Eve this year.  Don’t be disappointed.  I know you had a lot planned but something came up.  My roommate and I decided to get a group together from our Bible College and take Christmas to the slum area.  Marcy, they need Jesus, too!   You can help too!  Pray for us, Okay? It will really help.

 Be sure to tell the folks my plans. I’ll be home as soon as we are finished.  Don’t forget to pray.  If someone finds Jesus as their Savior, they will have a joyful Christmas and we will too! 

 

                              Your brother,

 

                               Jason

 

Christmas Eve, the night of the Christmas program drew quickly near, but Marcy wasn’t worried any more.  She knew what she was going to say.

When Christmas Eve finally came, she waited patiently for her turn.

Christmas seems to have quite a few meanings,” she said bravely.  “People think of money either gaining or losing it.  People think of pretty lights or of Christmas presents.  But the true meaning of Christmas is Christ.  It is the day that we celebrate the birthday of Jesus Christ.  We should give Him something.  We should give ourselves to Jesus.  We should win others to Jesus.  Don’t think of us but of others. And keep Christ in Christmas.

After the service Jason took her aside and said, “Sis you did understand.  I’m glad you did.  I figured you were too young, only a second grader, and yet you understood that it is Christ and not Santa Claus that gives true happiness at Christmas.