A Christmas Carol With Christ | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

A Christmas Carol With Christ

How I found the best Christmas gift that can't be bought

25
A Christmas Carol With Christ
Ben White

If I take a simple walk with the Ghost of Christmas Past, I may be able to see a small little girl writing down the toys she wanted for Christmas. Carefully placing each ornament on the perfectly arranged tree, she wondered in her mind whether or not she was going to get a visit from dear old Mr. Claus. A collection of candy canes around a village of gingerbread houses. Presents stacked below the tree. Stockings bulging with goodies and hanging around the fireplace. Everything was right where it was supposed to be.

However, if you’ve ever watched any sort of Christmas movie, you’ll come to understand that the heavily anticipated holiday is not the celebration of receiving, but of giving. Not only that, but it is the time to take joy in the company of friends and family while reflecting the year that has passed.

While gift giving and being surrounded by friends is of course a great part of Christmas, it’s not what people are intended to celebrate. Look at the root of the word…. Christ. We can all think of a group of elderly ladies who are constantly chanting, “Keep Christ in Christmas!” The notion is an annual issue that arises each year when the majority of celebrators are not actually aware of the purpose of the great holiday and what festivity they are participating in.

A closer look will reveal the real gift that was given on this magnificent night—the gift of Christ, a sacrifice for our sins and leader for all those willing to follow. The second chapter of the book of Luke tells the famous story of the birth of Jesus. Mary and Joseph search for a place to stay, but could only find shelter in a manger. There, the Lord Jesus was brought into this world, forever changing the history of Christianity. No sign of a large man in red. No reindeer or snowmen. Just the miracle of the most precious gift our Father gave His children.

As I walk hand in hand with Charles Dicken’s fictitious character, I contemplate what illusive story the Ghost of Christmas Future may reveal to me. What will come of the beloved holiday if the true meaning is eliminated from our houses? What if the glorious songs of worship are only sung about an imaginative man with a red coat, and fits that are thrown over unwanted presents? This is the vision I imagine with the removal of Christ from Christmas. It’s not exactly what would be in a holiday classic.

It wasn’t until much later in life that I came to this realization. The sparkle in my young eyes of a magical day with tinsel and toys slowly grew into tears of admiration and ultimate gratitude for the kind of gift you can’t unwrapped. So, take a look around. Don’t look at the stockings, the tree or even the snow on the ground. Look at your life as a whole and imagine for a second what it would be like if God had not granted us the opportunity of salvation and guidance through Jesus. The overwhelming and spectacular love that was poured out on the day of Christ’s birth continuously leave Christians speechless each holiday season.

Now I urge you to grasp the hand of the Ghost of Christmas Present and carefully piece together the parts that put the Christ back in Christmas.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

A Few Thoughts Every College Freshman Has

The transition into adulthood is never easy

22128
Mays Island
Courtney Jones

Today I started my third week of college at Minnesota State Moorhead. I have survived welcome week, finding my classes on the first day, and being an awkward loner in the dining hall. Even though I have yet to be here for a month, I have already experienced many thoughts and problems that only a new college student can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
Students walking on a sunny college campus with trees and buildings.

"Make sure to get involved when you're in college!"

We've all heard some variation of this phrase, whether it came from parents, other family members, friends, RAs, or college-related articles. And, like many clichés, it's true for the most part. Getting involved during your college years can help you make friends, build your resume, and feel connected to your campus. However, these commitments can get stressful if you're dealing with personal issues, need to work, or aren't sure how to balance classes and everything else going on during the semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

9 Reasons Why Friends Are Essential In College

College without friends is like peanut butter without jelly.

9265
Bridgaline Liberati and friends
Bridgaline Liberati

In college, one of the essential things to have is friends. Yes, textbooks, a laptop, and other school supplies are important but friends are essential. Friends are that support system everybody needs. The more friends you have the better the support system you have. But you also have someone to share experiences with. And don’t settle for just one or two friends because 8 out of 10 times they are busy and you are studying all alone. Or they have other friend groups that do not include you. Don’t settle for just one or two friends; make as many friends as you can. After the first couple of weeks of college, most friend groups are set and you may be without friends.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

The Power of Dressing Up

Why it pays to leave the hoodie at home.

6707
sneakers and heels
Sister | Brother Style - Word Press

For a moment your world is spinning. The phone alarm has just scared you awake and you’re flooded by daunting thoughts of the day ahead. You have three assignments due and little time to work on them because of your job. You’re running late because you’ve hit snooze one to many times after yesterday’s long hours. You dizzily reach for a hoodie, craving its comfort, and rush for a speedy exit, praying you will have time to pick up coffee. Does this sound familiar?

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

11 Signs You Live At The Library As Told by 'Parks And Recreation'

A few signs that you may live in the library whether you'd like to admit it or not.

5785
brown wooden book shelves with books

Finals week is upon us. It is a magical time of year during which college students everywhere flock to the library in attempt to learn a semester's worth of knowledge in only a week. For some students, it's their first time in the library all semester, maybe ever. Others have slaved away many nights under the fluorescent lights, and are slightly annoyed to find their study space being invaded by amateurs. While these newbies wander aimlessly around the first floor, hopelessly trying to find a table, the OGs of the library are already on the third floor long tables deep into their studies. Here is a few signs that you may live in the library, whether you'd like to admit it or not.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments