What Does Christmas Mean?

What does Christmas mean? Have you ever wondered that? The word, the holiday, all of it has meaning that many people don't even think about.

Well, we're going to do more than just think about it. We're going to take a trip. We're going to go on a journey to discover the true meaning of Christmas.

So strap in and let's find out what Christmas means.

But before we do, let's talk about how busy we all are. We get it. We are too!

That's why we've put together a widget that condenses the information on this page. If you don't have time to read the whole page, bookmark it and use the widget as a mini-guide to answer the question, "What does Christmas mean?

And now, let's start our journey.

The Origin of the Word “Christmas”

Our journey begins in the strangest of all places. A dictionary. Yeah, I know. Not the coolest way to start a vacay. That's okay. It'll get better. I promise.

The word Christmas comes from the Old English phrase *Cristes Maesse*, meaning “Christ’s Mass.” Over time, this phrase was shortened to “Christmas.”

Even in its meaning, the word points directly to a worship service held in honor of someone very important. This isn't just a holiday. For those of us who understand, it carries a much greater meaning. It's a celebration that means so much more than just the superficial knick-knacks that tag along with it.

From the very beginning, Christmas has been tied to a much greater ideal.

The History of Christmas

Christmas was not always celebrated in the way we know it today. Early Christians focused on Easter as the central holiday. By the fourth century, the church took a new direction in the way it celebrated. The church finally formally recognized December 25 as the day to commemorate Christmas.

Over time, traditions developed and spread across cultures, blending local customs with Christian worship. This history reminds us that Christmas has always held a deeper, practical meaning for Christians. It isn't just about Christmas parties and meals. It totes a bag of gifts greater than anything Santa Claus could handle!

How Christmas Is Celebrated Around the World

What does Christmas mean? Looking at some of the symbols of Christmas might help us navigate the way.

Christmas traditions vary widely across cultures and communities. In all of them, common themes of joy and togetherness appear. We might learn a few things about Christmas if we observe some of these traditions.

Family Gatherings: Many celebrate by reuniting with loved ones, sharing meals, and exchanging gifts.
Festive Customs: Decorating trees, hanging lights, and singing carols bring warmth and community spirit.
Cultural Variations: It shouldn't be any surprise that different people in different places celebrate Christmas differently. In Latin America, “Las Posadas” reenacts Mary and Joseph’s search for shelter. In Europe, St. Nicholas traditions inspire gift‑giving. In Africa, community feasts and church services highlight the day.
Secular Expressions: Even outside of religious practice, Christmas often symbolizes generosity, peace, and goodwill.

Although these traditions play an important part for many during Christmas, they paint a picture of something much greater. Let's look at more.

Symbols and Traditions That Point to Something Greater

Christmas traditions may not tell us the whole story. If not, the symbols of Christmas might bring us a little closer to answering the question, "What does Christmas mean?"

Many of the symbols associated with Christmas carry deeper meaning. The Christmas tree, often adorned with lights, can remind us of how dark the world can be. What can pull us from this darkness into light to make life worth living?

Nativity scenes place the focus on humility. Why? What's so important about humility during the Christmas season?

Even the practice of giving gifts reflects a gift much greater than simply something purchased at a store. What is that gift?

These varied traditions point back to a central ideal that overshadows all the others. There's more to the season than just presents, food and family.

Christmas in Modern Times

How often have we walked into a store in September and found an entire aisle of Christmas stuff already displayed? Why?

Christmas has recently faced the challenge of commercialization. Shopping, marketing, and materialism often overshadow the deeper meaning of the season.

Yet even in modern times, Christmas continues to inspire acts of kindness, generosity, and reflection.

Why?

For those of us who know the real reason for the season, it remains an opportunity to refocus on a deeper meaning. It helps us connect with a cosmic concept greater than food, family and gifts.

What is that? What does Christmas mean? Let's keep searching.

So What Does Christmas Mean?

So we're finally at a point where we can answer our first question. What does Christmas mean?

Beyond all the customs and celebrations, the most important meaning of Christmas is this. God, in His love, sent His only Son to this earth as a gift (John 3:16).

The Son of God was born humbly in a barn and given a very important name: Jesus Christ (Matthew 1:21). That name above all others (Philippians 2:9–11) is the only name that saves (John 14:6). This "Light of the World" illuminates the darkest of circumstances (John 1:4–9).

We believe that God entered the world in human form as Jesus (John 1:14) so that He could show His love and save us from our sins (John 3:16). In this way, Jesus has fulfilled God's promises of hope and salvation, giving Christmas a much greater meaning.

The nativity story—Mary and Joseph, the manger, shepherds, and angels—reminds us that Christmas is not simply about traditions. It's about God’s gift of His Son to the world (Romans 6:23).

But it means even more than this. That celebration points to another celebration even better than Christmas. Except this celebration won't be like anything we could put together.

It points to a time when everything will be made right. It gives us hope that we will one day enjoy the company of our great God forever (Revelation 21:4; Revelation 22:3–5; c.f. 1 Thessalonians 4:17).

What a day that will be!

Christ Has Come

What does Christmas mean? Here's the bottom line.

Christmas may mean many things to many people: joy, family, generosity, tradition. But above all, it means Christ has come. That is the true reason for the season and the true reason this season continues to inspire hope and celebration across the world.

Christ came to save sinners (1 Timothy 1:15). That alone should motivate all of us to sing "Joy to the World." God bless.