The True Gift of Christmas: Christ, Community, and the Power of Thankfulness

The True Essence of Christmas

Christmas is a season that brings warmth and joy to households around the world. While it is often associated with gifts, decorations, and festive gatherings, the deeper significance lies in embracing Jesus and fostering a sense of thankfulness. This special time of year offers an opportunity to reflect on the true essence of Christmas and how it can enrich our lives.

For men, this is a powerful time to pause and reflect on what’s truly important. As the heads of our families, we are the ones who can set the tone for what Christmas means in our homes. Yes, gifts are great, and we love providing for our families, but Christmas offers us so much more. It’s about taking a moment to refocus, to draw our families closer, and to recognize the gifts that go beyond the material.

As the men in our families, it’s up to us to lead them to understand that the real joy of this season comes from the love, peace, and salvation brought into the world by the birth of Jesus Christ.

As we gather with our families, we must ask ourselves: are we making space to embrace the essence of Christmas in our hearts, and are we guiding our families toward recognizing the deeper blessings that Christ has given us? This Christmas, let’s embrace the opportunity to center our hearts around the significance of Christ’s birth and the community that surrounds us.

Embracing the Message of Jesus

The story of Christmas is rooted in the birth of Jesus Christ, a symbol of hope, love, and salvation. Celebrating Christmas provides a chance to embrace this message by living out the values that Jesus taught—compassion, kindness, and generosity. When we focus on these principles, we not only live out the true meaning of Christmas but create a lasting impact on those around us, especially our families.

As men, we have the responsibility to lead by example. Jesus’s birth in a humble manger serves as a powerful reminder that greatness often comes from the most modest beginnings. This perspective challenges us to appreciate the small blessings in life and to extend grace to others. Jesus didn’t come to the world with riches or high status, but He came humbly, showing us that what truly matters isn’t what we have, but who we are and how we love others. In Matthew 20:28, Jesus says, “The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.” This teaches us that, as men, we are called to lead through service, humility, and sacrificial love.

This Christmas, let’s take time to reflect on the lessons of humility and selflessness that Jesus lived out. We can serve our families by teaching them the value of grace, by showing them that Christmas isn’t about the things we get but the love we give. In this, we demonstrate to our children that the true essence of Christmas is found in relationship, not just material things.

Cultivating Community Thankfulness

Christmas also serves as a perfect occasion to cultivate a sense of  thankfulness. As men, we often carry the weight of responsibilities, from work to family to personal struggles, and it can be easy to overlook the importance of gratitude. But this season calls us to pause and reflect on the blessings we often take for granted—the love of our families, the roof over our heads, and the peace that Christ’s birth has brought into our lives.

Thankfulness isn’t just a feeling—it’s a way of living that brings men closer together. The simple act of expressing gratitude to those around us can strengthen relationships and foster a supportive community atmosphere. Whether it’s through volunteering, sharing meals, or acknowledging acts of kindness, gratitude becomes a tool for transforming relationships and building stronger connections. As men, we can model this gratitude for our families and our communities. It starts with us and it should expand beyond the Christmas season into our normal everyday habits.

Men, consider how we can cultivate this in our own homes. Take a moment this Christmas season to share with your family the things you’re thankful for—especially the ways in which you’ve seen God at work in your lives. Create an environment where your kids see not only the gifts that come from under the tree but the deeper blessings of love, peace, and gratitude. I recommend trying this at the dinner table; In the hustle and bustle, ask everyone to pause, and ask your child, then your wife what they are thankful for. Then, follow it up with what you are thankful for. Bonus points for any husband who takes a moment to express gratitude for his wife.  

In 1 Thessalonians 5:18, we are called to “give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” Even in the chaos and challenges, gratitude shifts our perspective from what we lack to what we’ve been blessed with. It’s important to share this with our families—not just in words, but through actions.

Practical Ways to Embrace the Spirit

There are numerous practical ways to embrace the spirit of Christmas and make it a meaningful celebration for both you and your family. As men, we have the power to set the tone for how our homes celebrate Christ’s birth, and this involves living out thankfulness and Christ’s message of love.

One great way is to engage in daily reflections or devotionals as a family. In Luke 2:19, it says, “But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.” During the busy season, it’s important to reflect on the significance of Christ’s birth and share that reflection with your loved ones. Can you imagine slowing down long enough that you read over the amazing story of Christs birth in Luke and pondered it in your heart? Reading Scripture, praying together, and discussing the meaning of the season can bring your family closer and help them understand the true heart of Christmas.

Another simple but impactful practice is creating a gratitude journal. I like to label this journal as my 'Counted Blessings Journal,' which, much like the stars in the sky, will never fully be counted. Encourage your family to write down moments of thankfulness throughout the season. This helps to center our focus on what truly matters and reminds us of the blessings we experience each day.

Finally, instead of focusing on the materialistic aspects of gift-giving, consider a secret gift exchange that emphasizes thoughtfulness and meaning rather than expense. The gift of presence, of love, and of time spent together is far more valuable than any purchased item.

The Lasting Impact of Christmas

The impact of embracing Jesus and community thankfulness during Christmas can extend far beyond December. As men, when we live out these values—compassion, service, humility, and gratitude—we set an example for our children that transcends the holiday season. We lay the groundwork for a more compassionate and united family, one that focuses not just on the here and now, but on the legacy of faith we’re building for the future. Our families need to see us live out the values of Christ every day, not just during the holiday season.

The joy and peace experienced during Christmas can serve as a catalyst for positive change throughout the year. It’s not just about celebrating Christ’s birth—it’s about embracing the way He calls us to live: in community, in love, in humility, and in thankfulness. As we do this, we not only honor the spirit of Christmas but we contribute to a more loving, grateful, and God-centered world.

As men, let’s take this opportunity to lead our families with the true spirit of Christmas. Let’s be the example of what it means to live with gratitude and faith, and let’s show our families that the greatest gift we can give them is not just the presents under the tree, but our presence, love, and commitment to leading them in Christ. 

Lastly, thank you, Christ Jesus, for every man who reads this. May you know that every single one of you is prayed for. We ask that God intervenes in your life, shows you that you are loved, and that you truly feel His love. Everything we do is in the hopes that you come to understand the fullness of Christ and what He truly wants for you. We pray for blessings upon you in this season and ask that Christ would bless each and every one of you in a unique way.

With love on this merry birthday season,
AJ and the FATE Fellowship Team