Christ at the Center: Understanding Christmas, Giving, and the Heart of Jesus

Christians believe that Christmas is far more than lights, gifts, and cozy traditions; it is the celebration of Jesus Christ entering history as Savior and Lord. It is about God stepping into time and inviting people into a story of hope, salvation, and love.

The Heart of Christmas for Christians

For followers of Jesus, Christmas celebrates the Incarnation—God the Son taking on human flesh in the person of Jesus. The Nativity story shows God choosing humility: born to Mary in Bethlehem, laid in a manger, announced first to ordinary shepherds. This is not just a charming story; it is the beginning of God’s rescue plan, leading to Jesus’ death and resurrection for the forgiveness of sins.

Because of this, Christmas is a reminder that God is not distant. He enters the mess and pain of the world and offers reconciliation, new life, and eternal hope. Christians see Christmas as a time to worship, to reflect on God’s gift in Christ, and to imitate Jesus’ love in practical ways—especially toward the poor, the lonely, and the overlooked.

Why December 25th Became “Christmas Day”

Christians today widely recognize that Jesus was almost certainly not born on December 25, and the Bible does not give a precise date. Early believers cared more about who Jesus is and what His coming means than about keeping a birthday calendar. Centuries later, church leaders chose December 25 as a liturgical date—a day set apart each year to remember the birth of Christ, even though no one had preserved the exact day.

There were several reasons this date made sense. In the Roman world, late December already held popular festivals, including celebrations tied to the winter solstice and to the “unconquered sun,” and Christians used that moment to proclaim Jesus as the true Light of the world. Others linked December 25 to theological symbolism: some early Christians believed Jesus was conceived around March 25, and nine months later would place His birth in late December, making the date a spiritual symbol rather than a proven birthday.

Living the Meaning of Christmas

Because Christians see Christmas as God’s loving initiative toward humanity, the celebration naturally calls for a response in daily life. Worship is one response—singing, praying, reading the Nativity accounts, and gathering with other believers to honor Christ. Another vital response is love in action: generosity, hospitality, forgiveness, and compassion, especially toward those in need.

This is where giving becomes more than seasonal charity. When Christians donate to those who are struggling, they are trying to mirror the heart of God, who gave His Son. Giving is not about earning favor with God; it is about reflecting the grace already shown in Jesus, and many churches encourage families to include intentional generosity as part of their Christmas tradition.

Encouragement to Give: Clothes and Toy Donations

Here are some types of places you can look up in your own city or region to donate clothes or toys and live out the message of Christmas in a practical way:

• Local churches and faith-based ministries that run clothing closets or Christmas toy drives for families in need.

  
  

• Homeless shelters and transitional housing programs, which often accept warm clothing, coats, socks, shoes, and sometimes toys for children staying there.

  
  

• Community centers, social service agencies, and family resource centers that coordinate holiday giving trees or adopt‑a‑family programs.

  
  

• Crisis pregnancy centers and women’s shelters that welcome baby clothes, children’s clothing, and comforting toys for kids leaving difficult situations.

  
  

• Reputable charities and thrift ministries that resell donated clothing at low cost and use the proceeds to fund food, counseling, and other support.

As you celebrate Christmas, consider making generosity a family tradition. Share the story of Jesus’ birth, explain that God gave the greatest gift in Christ, and then choose together how to give to others in His name. Here are a few specific organizations you can consider supporting to bless children and families in need this season:

• Toys for Tots – Donate toys for children in need: https://www.toysfortots.org/

  
  

• Salvation Army Angel Tree – Sponsor a child’s Christmas wish: https://saangeltree.org/

  
  

• Make-A-Wish Foundation – Help grant life-changing wishes: https://www.makeawish.org/

  
  

• Save the Children – Helping families facing hardship: https://www.savethechildren.org/

  
  

• One Simple Wish – Make a wish come true for a child in foster care: https://www.onesimplewish.org/

By giving through organizations like these, your love becomes tangible, and the meaning of Christmas shines through in real lives changed.

Christ at the Center of Christmas

Everything in this season, from our learning to our worship and our giving, finds its true meaning in Jesus Christ. This is the time to remember that the Son of God stepped into our world, lived among us, bore our sins on the cross, and rose again so that anyone who believes in Him can receive forgiveness and eternal life. Let every gift you wrap, every donation you make, and every carol you sing be an act of worship, thanking Jesus for what He has done and reflecting His love to a world that desperately needs Him. As Scripture says,

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16).