As you know, Christmas is soon approaching. If you're anything like me, you started listening to Christmas music the day after Thanksgiving and your Pinterest consists of pictures of snowy forests and steaming cups of hot chocolate. It is one of the best, if not the best, seasons of the entire year because it is a time when we can put away our differences and unite under peace and love. But as the years go on, the true meaning of Christmas has begun to dissipate and in its place comes consumerism and the idea that Christmas is simply a time to receive rather than give.

Christmas is rooted in the history of Christ's birth. A meek and humble Savior born of a virgin came to redeem His people and to save the world. Christians celebrate Christmas as the coming of the long-awaited Messiah. This holiday has always meant something more than just buying presents and decorating a tree. It means that the darkness has been conquered. It means that we are loved beyond comprehension.

Christmas has become this commercialized holiday focused on crossing off things from your list and surrounding yourself with "good cheer" and great deals. This is a joyous season, yes, but it is a season for us as human beings to give of ourselves and to recognize Christ and to live like Him to the best of our ability.

There is so much joy in understanding the true meaning of Christmas, more so than receiving the next iPhone or those shoes you've been eyeing. There is more joy in serving your neighbors and giving everything of yourself than wasting time getting caught up in the novelty of the holiday.

So, this Christmas, choose Christ. Choose to celebrate the gift He has given us. Choose to live unto Him each day.