Ah, Christmas! The season of twinkling lights, cheerful carols, and enough glitter to blind an entire congregation. It’s the most wonderful time of the year—unless you’ve found yourself stuck in traffic near a mall, in which case, may the Lord grant you patience and good parking.

But here’s the thing: Christmas is far more than tinsel and Target gift cards. As an independent Christian conservative, I think it’s time we got back to the real reason for the season—celebrating the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

A Savior Is Born

In the hustle and bustle of December, it’s easy to forget why we’re decking the halls in the first place. Luke 2:11 reminds us: “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.” That verse isn’t just a nice sentiment for greeting cards—it’s the very heart of Christmas. God sent His only Son into the world, not as a mighty king, but as a humble baby in a manger. That humility should inspire us to reflect on our own lives and priorities.

Consumerism vs. Christ

Let’s be honest—Christmas has been hijacked. Somewhere along the way, the story of shepherds and wise men got overshadowed by Santa Claus and his army of dancing elves. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not here to ruin anyone’s fun. I’m as fond of cookies and reindeer as the next person. But when Christmas becomes more about the latest gadget than God’s greatest gift, we’ve missed the point entirely.

Think about it: we’ve turned the celebration of Christ’s birth into a mad dash for Black Friday deals. We’ve traded the peace of the nativity for the stress of Amazon shipping deadlines. And let’s not even get started on the office “holiday parties” where no one is quite sure what’s being celebrated, but everyone’s sure the punch is too strong.

A Call to Refocus

So, what can we do? First, let’s keep Christ at the center of our celebrations. Read the Christmas story as a family. Attend a Christmas Eve service. Sing hymns like O Holy Night that glorify God, not just the “holiday spirit.”

Second, give with purpose. It’s fine to exchange gifts—I love a good stocking stuffer—but let’s remember that true giving reflects God’s love. Support a local ministry, help a struggling neighbor, or donate to a charity that shares the gospel.

Finally, let’s remember that Christmas is a time for hope and reconciliation. Our nation feels divided in so many ways, but the message of Christmas is one of unity in Christ. As Ephesians 4:32 says, “And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.”

Closing Thoughts

Christmas is a celebration of the most extraordinary event in human history: God stepping into our broken world to save us. Let’s not let that get lost under a pile of wrapping paper.

So, this Christmas, let’s trim the tree, bake the cookies, and sing the carols—but let’s also make time to worship, to reflect, and to give thanks. After all, the greatest gift of all wasn’t wrapped in ribbon; it was wrapped in swaddling clothes and laid in a manger.

Merry Christmas, y’all. And may your fruitcake be edible and your family drama minimal.