Today is December 26th and Boxing Day in Canada. I hope this article finds you well even if you are lining up at Best Buy, Walmart or at your favourite mall. You may also be just at home scrolling up and down on your device looking for the best finds at retailers’ websites. Who would not want big discounts and great deals? Just a disclaimer – today’s devotional article is not meant to dissuade you from shopping. I myself could be out there on a hunt for an action camera and a new air fryer.
Boxing Day, celebrated the day after Christmas, has roots in giving. Traditionally, it was a time when the wealthy gave gifts, often in boxes, to their servants and the less fortunate. Over time, however, it has become associated with shopping sprees, long lines in the mall and queues online. In our consumer-driven world, it’s easy to lose sight of what Christmas truly represents. There are different things that might distract us from celebrating the profound gift of Jesus Christ, given to bring salvation to the world. The true essence of Christmas is the love of God made manifest in Jesus. It is a celebration of His humility in coming to earth, His purpose in redeeming us, and the eternal hope we have in Him.
While giving gifts and enjoying traditions can be meaningful, they must not take precedence over Christ. The Apostle Paul warns us against being consumed by worldly desires:
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”(Romans 12:2)
The commercialization of Christmas often shifts the focus from worship to consumerism, from selflessness to self-indulgence. When we allow this to happen, we risk missing the true joy and peace that Christmas offers. But hey, don’t drop that item yet or remove it from your cart – I’m just here to remind you of what our focus should be during the holidays. And before you cash them out or proceed with your payment let me continue on what I’m trying to say.
To celebrate Christmas in a way that honors God, we must focus on its spiritual significance. Yes, we can’t eliminate the material and physical side of it but let us always reflect on what it truly means. Christmas is a time to worship the Savior, just as the shepherds and wise men did. The wise men brought gifts to Jesus, but their greatest act was bowing in worship.
“On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him.” (Matthew 2:11)
Let our hearts, too, be filled with gratitude and worship, remembering that Jesus is the reason for the season. With these, let us all the more be driven with generosity and love. The original intent of Boxing Day was to extend kindness to those in need. Generosity, whether through gifts, time, or acts of kindness, reflects God’s love and brings glory to Him. True Christmas celebration involves sharing God’s blessings with others. Jesus teaches,
“It is more blessed to give than to receive.” (Acts 20:35)
Now that Christmas Day has gone by, let us allow ourselves to have reflection and renewal. Let us have a time to reflect on the message of the Gospel and renew our commitment to living for Christ. Isaiah’s prophecy reminds us of the hope and peace Jesus brings,
“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”(Isaiah 9:6)
The spirit of Christmas – worship, generosity, love, and hope – should not be confined to a single day or season. It should shape our lives daily. Paul encourages us:
“Whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”(Colossians 3:17)
As Boxing Day comes and goes, let us resist the urge to reduce Christmas to materialism and instead carry forward its true message: Christ’s love and salvation for all.
As Boxing Day comes and goes, let us resist the urge to reduce Christmas to materialism and instead carry forward its true message: Christ’s love and salvation for all.
Boxing Day, like Christmas itself, can remind us of the importance of giving and serving others. However, it also calls us to evaluate how we view Christmas.
Have you done your shopping yet or the product that you were eyeing for is gone? Think before you click. Review your finances before you swipe or tap your card. Let us be wise in the same manner we view and give importance to the things of God.
May our hearts and lives reflect the true meaning of Christmas, not just on December 25th, but every day of the year. Now I have to go back comparing what’s the best action camera to get this Boxing Day – DJI, Insta360 or GoPro? Anyone?
Reflection: Now that Christmas Day is over, how would you continue living out its true meaning?
Praise God! Thank you Bro. Aries for this beautiful essay, as for me Christmas is everyday , because as a child of God I tried to carry Christ in me every day 🙏❤️ his Love reflects on me to others 🙏
What a meaningful essay to reflect on. This is truly a reminder to prioritize the things for God and just not to be carried away by the feeling of festivity in this time of the year. Thank you for sharing this devotional for today, it brings clarity of how blessed we are of God’s providence in our lives and that we ought to be grateful even against all odds. Sometimes, we can’t help but to compare ourselves to others that we can see blessed materially, all it takes is to keep in mind that we must also be a blessing to others and generous to the work of God to glorify him. Being mindful of self indulgence is the key to put finances under control and to allocate on what is important as a servant of God. More blessings to you brother Aries and your ministry!🙏
Praise God, Elder Aries! for such an amazing,exhortation on. Boxing day!.Christ Jesus was, a Christian child, sent from God.To share Christmas with us all. His love reflects on all of us, Christians during Christmas 🎄 more blessings to you on your devotional!,journey Amen 🙏.
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