The true meaning of Christmas can vary depending on individual beliefs and cultural interpretations. For many people, Christmas is a Christian religious holiday that celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ. It is a time for Christians to reflect on the significance of Jesus’ birth and the message of peace and goodwill that is associated with his life.

However, Christmas has also become a widely celebrated cultural and secular holiday in many parts of the world. For many people, it is a time for family gatherings, gift-giving, acts of kindness, and spreading joy. It often involves traditions such as decorating Christmas trees, exchanging presents, and sharing festive meals.

In essence, the true meaning of Christmas is subjective and can be deeply personal. For some, it is a religious observance, while for others, it is a time for expressing love, generosity, and kindness. Ultimately, the meaning of Christmas is shaped by the values and beliefs of the individuals and communities celebrating it.

Jonathan Manafo talks about the true meaning of Christmas.

Jonathan Manafo is The Village pastor. He is a husband, a father, a friend, a neighbor, and a follower of Jesus. He hopes that every day he’s a little better at it than the day before. He loves his family, his community, and God’s world.

Jonathan, please tell my audience a little about you.

I am a husband, a dad, a neighbor, a pastor, a musician, a writer, and hopefully a good friend. I love spending time with the people I love. I write and play music, it’s a long-time passion of mine. I enjoy golf, cycling, and sports of all kinds. When it’s all said and done, may others simply see me as a person who loved, who gave, and who lived a full life. 

Why did you decide to become a minister?

I didn’t choose…it chose me. In my mid to late teen years, I felt God might be leading me to at least prepare to be in pastoral ministry. (Note the difference, we all have some way to minister and serve, mine happens to be pastoring, among other things). I was accepted into a linguistics program at Concordia University. I was 100 students away from registering for my first set of classes and just knew I had to do something else. I left the line and began thinking about how I would go about this vocational calling in my life. Becoming a pastor was always gradual for me. Always felt like if God wanted to use me in this way, opportunities would arise. They did, I walked into them, and here we are, over 20 years later.

Share a little about the village and what you want to accomplish.

The Village is a church community in Whitby that is discovering what it means to love God, love others, and make the world better. We started 6 years ago with a hand full of people. We are now well over 100. We simply want to be a fresh expression of the local church where people who need to discover Jesus can do so alongside other people who are discovering Jesus. The Village wants to be connected in our communities – helping, loving, being present and being Jesus. I feel at home in my church community. Being part of a church like The Village makes me better.

During Xmas, we focus on shopping, stress about meeting people, and all these expectations. Explain what it is all about and the true meaning of Christmas.

I think we all know that Christmas is more than gifts, spending, and hectic schedules. There is absolutely nothing wrong with being generous with your family, friends, and especially those in need. Let’s keep this party going. However, we do get caught up in what becomes a rat race, when we forget that Christmas, specifically, Advent, is about waiting patiently for God to arrive on the scene.  If we would simply incorporate Advent into Christmas, we would have a better perspective of things. Why? Advent slows us down. It makes us think. We learn to wait. We learn to stay present. And if we slow down just enough, we will then be able to appreciate what this season is really about – Jesus, the God, moving into our neighborhood (s).

Please challenge my audience to do something completely different this year during the month of Christmas.

Well. Since you asked. Don’t spend any money on yourself. That’s a good start. If you are in the habit of giving gifts, look for things in your house that you can give away so the gifts that come in are at least replacing what you had and not adding to what you don’t need. One line that may help us think differently is, “less presents – more presence”

I would challenge you (if you’re not already part of a church community) to look for a local church to attend during December. Not just a one-off Christmas Eve service, but two to three gatherings in December. The only way that your personal Christmas story can become more meaningful is if you make time to experience THE Christmas story. If you’re not into Christianity, that’s okay, use it as a learning experience. It’s so worth a try.

I know Italians love food. What are your favorite dishes and how important is food in living a balanced life?

I sing The Beetle’s song, ‘8 days a week…I love you’ when it comes to pasta :). I honestly just love food. Food that is made well. If it’s been cooked and prepared well and with passion, I love it. I will spend more on food if it’s good and healthy, rather than save a few bucks to eat bad food (i.e. fast food or junk food). Life is too short to eat bad food. Now, I understand that life is not always that simple, and some people can’t afford to eat well. But we should all do the best we can, within our means, to eat healthily, and enjoy the food we do eat.

I also want to say that food is very communal. It brings people together. We get together over drinks and food. Don’t take those moments for granted, with your family or with your friends and neighbors.

Give me three tips on being a good father and on being a good husband.

First, I’m becoming a father and husband. What I mean by that is I’m hopefully better than I was, but I have lots to learn. Two, tell your kids and your spouse that you love them. In-person, via text, any way possible. If they hear it and know it from you, they will never feel like seeking it elsewhere. Three, balance providing (working hard) with pleasure (time well spent). It’s very honorable to provide for your family. Work as hard as you can to make a living and save for the future. However, know how to rest, how to stop, and how to simply be together.

You have been a minister for a long time, what have you learned about human behavior?

We are all broken. We all need a community. We all need grace.

How do you balance food faith family and finance in this busy world?

I already talked about food ;). Faith is so important – it is a reference point that is the opposite of your human selfishness. For me of course, my faith in Jesus. The family is your closest neighbor. Love them as you love yourself. If you steward your money well, you’ll have enough to live, give, play, and plan. Lots to say on this, but I’ll quote a well-known equation, 100% of your money should at least be divided like this, 10% give, 10% save, 80% live. If you can start there and increase the 10% part incrementally, you’ll be happier, more satisfied, less fearful, and very content.

Lastly, tell me a good minister joke.

They did a survey with Young Adults. They were asked to share what three topics they were most interested in hearing about at church. The top three answers were: SEX, END TIMES, and WILL THERE BE SEX IN THE END TIMES.

Jesus had to have been Italian. His dad was a carpenter, he lived at home until he was 30, and his mother thought he was God.

Photo Credits: Dan Kiefer Vidar Nordli-Mathisen  Gareth Harper Gian Reichmuth Anthony DELANOIX Carolyn V Spencer Davis

The post The True Meaning of Christmas: Less Presents – More Presence appeared first on Four Columns of a Balanced Life.

December is known as the birthday of Jesus Christ. We know it as Christmas.

However, there is more to Christmas than gifts under the tree, shopping, lights on the tree and outside the home, spending time with friends and family, snow outside, stockings all over the home, singing carols, turkey dinners, and wishing people ‘Merry Christmas’.

It can also be a stressful time for many people who do not have family or friends or funds to buy gifts. Christmas is a time to be joyful, heal, and renew our strength.  The star shone brightly over Bethlehem.

I talk to Lauren, who runs a blog called Mindful of Christ, to find out about the Christian faith and Christmas.

Lauren is the mum of two beautiful children. She recently completed a BA Hons in Health and social care and also has a diploma in CBT. Lauren became a born-again Christian in 2004. She is transparent about her ups and downs with mental health, depression, anxiety, and self-harm. But God helped her with these and she has learned to refocus from the negative and towards Christ. She practices being mindful of Him, thus the name of her blog ‘Mindful of Christ’. She is the author of ‘Christian-based Cognitive Behavioural therapy.’ She is also a Coach; helping people recognize & overcome limiting beliefs & negative mindsets and helps them grow in their relationships with Christ & themselves and find their God-given purpose & begin on this journey.

Lauren, I want to know something unique about you?

I went paragliding for my 18th birthday, it was amazing!

Walk me through what attracted you to English literature? What does writing do for you?

I’ve always enjoyed writing. As a child, I loved to write stories and poetry. Then three years ago, God asked me to begin this writing journey, with blogging.

Writing is extremely therapeutic, I love expressing myself and being guided by God in what I’m writing, in order to encourage, inspire and uplift others.

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We need Christmas gift ideas. Christmas gift ideas change with time. It is important to be practical and sensitive at the same time.

It is hard to believe, but Christmas is here. I am seeing neighbors put on Christmas lights. The Christmas ornaments are being put on trees, friends are posting on social media who their secret Santa will be, the stocking stuffers, Christmas gift ideas, and personalized Christmas ornaments.

What are Advent and Christmas? What is the Christmas Star? Is it always about only Christmas presents and Christmas gift ideas, or also about His Presence?

Melissa from Heavenly Imperfections talks about Christmas gift ideas, Christmas cards, traditions, stocking stuffer ideas, women’s empowerment, and family.

Hi Melissa, I want to know a little about you and what is heavenly imperfections all about?

Hey Jerry, thank you for this opportunity to introduce myself to your audience!  I am Melissa, I live in the North East with my family- My husband of six years and our 2 little loves, with a 3rd on the way.  As a full-time stay-at-home mama, we have epic bubble dance parties, homeschool, and look for joy in all of life’s moments.

I find myself trying to build our home on Christian values while walking through life and everything that comes our way.  Motherhood really impacted my life and my faith, and through that journey, I created Heavenly Imperfections.  Born out of the idea that we are all at different points in our walks with Jesus, and on our motherhood journeys.  I wanted to create a space where we could all check-in at any point.  If you are searching for ways to grow your child’s faith, distract them with crafts for a few minutes, or see some newborn sleep solutions…all things, in a community of like-minded women.

Talk to me about what Christmas is all about and why it is important to have traditions?

In our home, we keep Christmas Christ-centered and we try to teach our kids about the spirit of giving.  We take time to talk about the story of Christmas, build nativity scenes and really find ways to put our faith into action around the holiday season.  Cultivating family time is also really important to us, so we do a lot of holiday crafts (advent rings, gingerbread houses,  making Christmas cards, popcorn strings, etc.) and we spend time together away from distractions (tree shopping, decorating, hanging stockings, volunteering, etc.).

Traditions are super important!  Those are the moments and the memories that our children will carry with them through their lives and into their own families.  Growing up in my home, we didn’t have any traditions, nothing that was done consistently, and I knew when I had a family, I wanted to create those memories.  So in our home, we have carried over some of my husband’s traditions, and we have created some of our very own.

When it comes to creating traditions, it is important to think about what you want to convey, how you want to convey it, and why.  Then brainstorm some in-action ideas from there, and see what sticks.  Not every tradition is right for every family.  Find what you enjoy and stick with it.  

Let us talk about Christmas gift ideas. Walk me through some of the gifts for mom, dad, brother, and sister and for our spouses?

Christmas gifts are actually another great way to start a tradition!  We have a large group of families and friends that we give gifts to, and making handmade gifts has been a great tradition.  The kids are involved and everyone seems to appreciate the thoughtfulness.  This year we are going to make personalized family establishment ornaments.

When it comes to gift-giving, I believe it is important to be thoughtful.  Thinking about what the person would like, or what they may need, decoding their love language, and then adding a bit of yourself into the mix.  The last two years have really opened up the possibilities of what we think about gifting.  With more people being at home, we can do more necessities or home comforts, and with things reopening, we can think about giving experiences. 

Should we call our family and say let’s give gifts only for the kids and for a certain dollar amount?

Christmas isn’t about over-stretching ourselves or our family’s finances.  It is important to set healthy boundaries and limits while respecting our own comfort zones. 

As I mentioned before, we have a large group that we give gifts to during the holiday, and as a family, we came together a few years ago and decided that we would just give gifts to the kids.  For siblings that are single or married without kids, we of course give differently, but as a group, we decided this was best.

These conversations aren’t always the easiest to have, but they are important.  A tip I have found helpful is to create a Christmas list for gifts for my kids and send it as ideas to my family members.  This helps them see the price points I am hoping to stay within and gives them ideas for gifts that My husband and I have already approved.  Many of them return the favor. 

Why are cards such an important part of Christmas? What are some of the things we can write to encourage people?

As a family, when we receive Christmas cards, we place them near our tree and we keep them up into the New Year.  Talking about the people who sent them, and who they are to us.  In our online world, we all post-holiday greetings, but that isn’t personalized and it doesn’t make viewers feel special.  Is it easier?  Sometimes, absolutely!  But a card allows you to connect and gives people something to hold onto, it is tangible.  It means someone took a moment to really think about you.

The greatest part about Christmas cards is that you get to decide what you write!  Even on the mass electronic photo cards, you pick your greeting.  You can have your kids help you fill them out, use the opportunity to add Christ into someone’s season or reach someone who needs encouragement.

Writing from the heart is most important, but we can also take a moment to wrap someone in prayer or spread an encouraging scripture.  Sometimes reminding someone that they are in our hearts this season, that goes a long way. Using a card to tell them that you are thinking of them and that you are wishing them well, and then they have it to hold when they may need it most.

What is the big no no’s of Christmas gifts?

Personally, I don’t really have any no-no’s, just basic guidelines.  It is important to always consider appropriateness.  Sometimes humor doesn’t mesh, love languages are opposite, or things are too extravagant for that relationship.  My rule of thumb is, if I have to question it or explain it, then it isn’t the gift I should be giving.  

What are some of the ways we can de-stress during the holidays?

Personally, I always remind myself to take a break before I break.  If it is a quick 5-minute self-care routine, sitting in quiet, reading my bible, or sipping hot cider.  Small moments can make a big difference, especially in a season full of commitments and busy moments.

When a quick 5-minute break just won’t do it, here are a few helpful de-stressors I have found over the years:

-If you are having a large gathering, take people up on their offers to bring items and lend a hand.  

-Let go of expectations and set healthy boundaries.  

-Pick things that are most important to your family and focus your time and energy on those.

-Make sure you are getting enough sleep and taking care of your needs.  An old but true saying is, “you can not pour from an empty cup”.

Talk to me about what woman empowerment means to you?

To me, women’s empowerment can mean a lot of things, but where all of this starts is really promoting every woman’s self-worth.  Recognizing that we are all in this sisterhood together.  When we stop telling each other what is better and instead lock arms against the waves, that is where things really start to change.

As a society, we have devalued the worth of a woman.  

If she goes to work and leaves her kids in care, how dare she.  If she quits her job to “just stay home all day” with the kids, how dare she?! A woman who climbs the ladder at work- she must be dating someone.  But a woman who stays in her position for 2 years, she has no drive…..As a mom struggles and screams at her kids to leave the park, we think of “bad parenting” instead of, “wow, she is having a hard day.”

As women, we even exchange these thoughts amongst ourselves.  We perpetuate the cycles of devaluing ourselves, and when we can get past that, lifting each other up instead, that is when things truly change.

To me, female empowerment is about embracing our sisterhood and building each other up.  Congratulating each other, and meaning it.  Learning from each other without judgment.  

That is when we help build each other up in the workplace, in corporate America.  When we help each other get access to the education and health care that we need.  This is how we build our self-worth and learn to trust ourselves and ask for opportunities to make the choices that are best for us.

I come to your place as a stranger and ask for a meal during the holidays. What will you make for me and why? I eat anything.

This is a really great question!  

During the holidays, we always have a smorgasbord of things throughout the day.  Lots of finger foods and then the main meal.  We haven’t fallen into a meal of tradition, so it would be anything!  But one thing I can guarantee is that we would have plenty of food for you and cake.  There is cake every Christmas.   

My husband is from Angola, and one of the traditions he carries with him is that we have Cake every Christmas.  We actually call it a birthday cake for Jesus in our house.  So I hope you like red velvet with buttercream frosting, that is our cake of choice.  But I also hope you would come with an empty belly and room for a to-go container, because food really is love in our home, and there would be plenty to share.

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