Keep Christ in Christmas: Essay by Lucy Quintana, 6th grade, St. Dominic School

By Lucy Quintana
6TH GRADE, ST. DOMINIC SCHOOL, NEW ORLEANS

Matthew 25: The true meaning of Christmas shown in love for poor

What do you think of when you think of Christmas?

Many people’s thoughts go immediately to “Presents! Toys! Santa!”

However, if we stop to think about why Christmas so special or why we get presents, then we would answer differently.

It is sad that people make gingerbread houses, go to Christmas parties and text their friends about all the gifts they receive but tend to quickly forget to spend time thinking about the birth of our Savior, who has given us everything.

Advent is a time of waiting and preparing for the birth of the Savior of the world. All that we do during this time should be a reflection of our anticipation and excitement about his birth.

We can keep Christ in Christmas by taking that time to think about Jesus, to watch a movie with our family and friends about what really happened on Christmas day and to spread Jesus to others.

We can give of ourselves with our whole hearts, rather than just receive.

In Matthew 25:40, Jesus said, “Truly, I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of my brothers or sisters, you did for me.”

I believe that the best birthday gift we can give Jesus during the Christmas season is to live out these words.

We can do this by showing others the mercy, compassion and kindness that Jesus taught us.

We can go out of our way to minister to those in need, spend time with people who are lonely, bring flowers and comfort to those who are sick, a coat and gloves to someone who is cold, something to eat for someone who is hungry.

In this way, we give others the greatest gift of all, Jesus, and we live out the true meaning of Christmas.