Why does Christmas attract so many people? Why is it that so many love it despite the pressures that this celebration causes? And why is it that, beneath the secular layers of wrapping and untruths, God’s truth inevitably shines through?

Jesus was born to save the entire world. His offer is open to everyone regardless of their color, sex, or nationality, because God created and loves every person equally. He desires that everyone reciprocate His love. Loving God is not something we do well: we are naturally selfish, self-righteous, and prideful. Every person who realizes that they have a creator and an immortal spirit, however, makes a choice. They either reconcile with God or reject Him.

God has always been either followed or rejected, even before Jesus came to earth. Jesus drew crowds, but not all were faithful to Him. Some were curious. Some wanted to be popular and in charge. The same is true today. People may not be able to see through the motives of others, but God does.

Christmas is often stressful for unbelievers, because people are expected to eat, drink, and be merry regardless of their emotional, financial, or social situation. It is a time for charitable deeds. Philanthropists love this time of the year regardless of whose birth is being celebrated and why it matters. Christmas hides a lot of ill will and sadness that may or may not reappear after the trees have been taken down and everything returns to normal. This is especially true for those who do not know and love Jesus, because they are left empty when the partying is over.

All around the world, regardless of religion, people want to celebrate the Christmas season. They decorate their homes with lights, trees, and greenery. Gift giving and receiving provides the hope that everyone will get what they want. Some celebrate all religious festivals because they enjoy the positive atmosphere.

When we take part in celebrations for the food, fellowship, and party atmosphere, it is like we are children playing with the wrapping paper instead of with the toys or the gifts inside. Decorating our houses and participating in something we know little about is like dressing up. We celebrate, but we are unsure of what we are celebrating. It attracts attention and magnifies Christmas. Everything the devil means for evil God uses for good. The most precious gift ever given—the baby Jesus—cannot be wrapped or kept concealed.

Sadly, Jesus—God—is not always seen as the best gift, even by some who call themselves Christians. The contradictions are seen and heard by those with eyes to see and ears to hear. When people love others, especially their children, more than they love God and teach them things that go against God’s Word, they create confusion and hinder faith. One children’s book concludes: “You may not have a halo shining bright for all to see… But you’re our little angel and your hugs are heavenly! That’s why our biggest Christmas wish has already come true cause child there could never be a better gift than you.”

Yes, God tells us to love and raise our children well. Christian parents should want their children to have a saving knowledge of Jesus. They know that their children are not angels and, while expressing things as being heavenly is not harmful, telling anyone that he or she is the best gift ever is not wise. Christians should take offence to this, especially at the time when we celebrate Christ’s birth. Jesus is the best gift ever, and the best friend every person could ever have. We must love our children so much that we desire their salvation.

Beneath all the trappings of Christmas lies the real reason so many celebrate Jesus’s birth. Jesus offers the only hope, because He is the only spiritual connection to our eternal home. He brings the possibility of reconciliation with God offering true joy, love, and peace forevermore. This truth cannot be hidden. Beneath all falsehoods and pretenses lies humanity’s essence.

We are created a little lower than the angels and made in God’s image. Something very deep within each of us yearns for God. Like a baby longs for its mother, we know that we have an eternal home and that we are connected to someone so much greater than we are. With that connection, we are alive. But when the connection is severed and not reestablished, we die.

God’s light shines through the falsities of secular Christmas celebrations, because despite the materialism, greediness, and dependencies, the true meaning of Christmas cannot be hidden. When AI is asked what Christmas is, its response is that Christmas is about the birth of Jesus.

Jesus came to earth to offer everyone a better life and eternal prosperity. Christianity begins with a birthday celebration and culminates with one death and the promise of everlasting peace and joy for those who believe. Nothing compares to being at a Christmas Eve service with a stranger next to you in ecstatic joy upon receiving Christ’s body and blood, singing Christmas carols, and holding a candle lit by that candle which represents the light of Jesus Christ.

May Christmas light your heart, and those of all whom you love, this year.