Soon, it will be Christmas Day and many Christians and non-Christians are celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ.
According to biblical scripture and the gospels of Luke and Matthew, a Savior and a Messiah was born to a young Jewish woman named Mary and her soon-to-be husband, Joseph, who were traveling to Bethlehem to register for a census. There was no place for them to stay, as the inn which was already full. They ended up staying the night in a stable.
That night, Jesus was born. They laid baby Jesus in a manger because there was no crib. He was acclaimed as a savior for all people, and shepherds and wise men came to adore Him. According to scripture, the visitors were said to be following a mysterious star, commonly known as the Star of Bethlehem, believing it to announce the birth of the king of the Jews.
Sandi Squicquero is a frequent contributor to the Greeley Tribune, writing about mental health issues and more. (Credit/Sandi Squicquero)More than 2,000 years ago, baby Jesus was born in a stable. So why is the story of Jesus and His birth so powerful after all these years? Perhaps it is because this belief binds people together in a common celebration. Most of faith is based on a series of beliefs that are often formed in childhood. A definition of faith that I like best is: “believing in what you cannot see.”
If you believe in the Christmas story, you believe by faith. The importance of Christmas and the Christmas story are the values behind it. Words like love, compassion, joy, peace and goodwill are universal and belong to all of us.
There is no other holiday when people are most open to offer profound gifts of generosity toward others. During the Christmas holiday season, gifts are given to others more than any time of the year.
Gifts affirm personal bonds we share with others. We give a little of ourselves and show love, affection and thoughtfulness, whether we buy a gift or make a plate of cookies to gift. The value of love can never be measured. Gift-giving is an ancient tradition and represents to Christians that God gave His only son to us. The three wise men gave gifts to Jesus when he was born.
Compassion is a wonderful human trait and is its own reward, especially at Christmas time. Service to our fellow human beings and a kinder attitude toward others can make this season very special. People give more to service organizations and charities. Employees are often given a yearly bonus because the season ties in with recognition of giving back.
Peace and goodwill, if not seen, are longed for around the world. Our military men and women are hoping to get home for Christmas to spend time with loved ones and family. We are still praying for peace around the world.
About 78% of Americans are Christians and celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. We believe that Jesus was born to the Virgin Mary to give us hope and redemption.
Hope and Redemption. What powerful words!
While I recognize that some people do not celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ during the Christmas holiday, I would like to think that Christmas is celebrated in love, joy and peace regardless of religion or a belief system and that for one day all is right with the world.
Perhaps that is what the Christmas story is all about. What does your Christmas Day look like? Hopefully, family, joy, love, sharing and the feeling of peace. Leaving all of your worries behind in celebration. Let us not forget those feelings as we face the new year in 2025 and a new beginning.
Sandi Y. Squicquero M.Ed, LPC, is a licensed professional counselor who works out of the Medical Hypnosis and Counseling Center at 1180 Main St., Suite 5B, in Windsor. She has more than 30 years experience as a counselor and is board-certified in medical hypnosis.
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