Has Christmas lost its true meaning?

DECEMBER has come and along with is Christmas.
Everyone will have their own views about the Christmas season.
For many, it is a heartwarming time with family and friends.
To many children, it’s about presents and Santa.
To merchants, it means a season when many retailers finally begin making money.
Christmas is celebrated today more as a sales frenzy than as the most important birth in history.
It has become so commercialised that it has lost its true meaning in some areas.
Yes, Christmas has become far too commercialised, but we remain grateful that the choice is ours to decide how we celebrate it.
Christmas for many is a holiday season that provides opportunities for families to reunite, and it allows a pleasant break from our daily routines and should also be a time of reflection.
Almost all schools teach the story of Christmas and the large majority of schools put on nativity plays so children can understand through drama and carols.
It does no no harm to put up a few extra, non-religious items for Christmas.
In some areas, Christians are still going to church to celebrate Christmas religiously and they will continue to encourage their children to do the same, so the real meaning shall be carried on throughout the generations.
Unfortunately, Christians are vulnerable to this commercial mentality, and too many have compromised the message of giving. The true meaning could easily be lost unless this excessive consumption/spending is balanced by the knowledge of the religious significance.
For some, Christmas is a time of sorrow.
They do not have the extra money to buy presents for their children, family, and friends.
Often, we give gifts (sometimes useless) at Christmas, because it’s expected of us, and we feel guilty if we don’t. And the closer we get to Christmas, the pressure to give these unnecessary gifts builds and we feel depressed and unworthy if we can’t give.
Many are sad at Christmas time when they think of their loved ones who will not be able to come home for various reasons.
Why not take time this Christmas to reflect on God’s great gift to you?
The one who created you is the same one who came to Earth and died for you.
In a world filled with corruption and selfishness, there is tremendous hope in knowing that God cares.
He promises eternal life to all who believe in Jesus.
Can you think of a greater reason to celebrate Christmas?
We believe the true meaning of Christmas is love, hope and joy.
The true sense of Christmas is the celebration of this incredible act of love.
It is a time of God showing his great love for us.
Christmas is when we celebrate the birth of Jesus.
God sent his son Jesus into the world to be born.
His birth brought great joy to the world.
They can be found in the sparkle of an ornament on a Christmas tree, the welcoming wreath at a door, the sharing of feasts with loved ones and strangers, the annual season that reminds us most urgently of the need to give to those who have less.
As the well-to-do get into the festive spirit and jam the shopping malls and supermarkets, spare a thought for those who cannot afford to buy gifts and other goodies.