It’s the most wonderful time of the year! But why? Just what is the meaning of Christmas?! That answer will likely vary, depending on whom you ask. Here is what Christmas means to us at the World’s Largest CHRISTmas Store®.
What CHRISTmas Means To The Bronner Family
“Do you ever get tired of Christmas?“ That’s probably one of the questions most asked of the Bronner family, and some of the staff too. After all, we do listen to Christmas songs in the store 361 days a year, and are surrounded by all things Christmas. Even in the “off season,” the Bronner’s team is researching, designing, decorating, buying and selling all things Christmas! Talk about visions of sugar plums all year round! And what a wonderful thing dancing in our heads and hearts.
But the truth is: No, we don’t get tired of Christmas! Who could get weary of sharing and celebrating the JOY of the Christ child with millions of guests each year who either visit in person or get to know Bronner’s through our catalog, website or a billboard. When the CHRISTmas season does roll around officially on the calendar, that special joy is just enhanced — lights in cities and yards, carols in churches, concerts or plays in schools, delectable
goodies, gatherings with friends and family, joy on visitors’ faces as they gather with their own loved ones during outings to Bronner’s and Frankenmuth and seeing the wonder of all things Christmas through the eyes of a child.
Bronner’s will continue to exemplify the spirit of a well-known quote written by Charles Dickens 100 years ago that still resonates loudly for generations: “I will honour Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year.”
The angels said it best on that holy night the year that changed the calendars “… I bring
you good tidings of great joy. which shall be to all people. Unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2:10-11)
May THAT JOY be in your heart this Christmas and always!
The Meaning Of Christmas — To Me
It’s a Sunday morning, just days before Christmas, and I awoke feeling overwhelmed and unrested — like so many of us likely do? Despite a focus on Christmas year-round, December 25th still manages to somehow sneak up on me every year. My husband had just taken me away for an overnight adventure to see Christmas lights, which I, undoubtedly, needed! Getting away from home means I can’t worry about “all the things” that I so often get wrapped up in. But then this morning, my mind was already trying to figure out how to play catch-up. (And yet, the problem is that we never actually do! Life’s demands are, quite simply, perpetual.)
So instead of going to church as I usually, gladly do, I am listening to service while folding the laundry. Trying to still my mind from the things I need to get done. Trying to make myself be consciously present in this moment…
Joy, Unspeakable JOY
As I’ve been reflecting on the meaning of Christmas throughout the week, I feel a stirring inside as our worship leader sings Joy To The World — a feeling of arrest coming over me.
Do we truly realize that JOY? The joy of our Savior condescending to come to earth for all of mankind? As Christians, do we still ourselves enough to actually savor this truth, not passively, but actively?! This GIFT.
The GIFT
I am simultaneously reminded of a sentiment originator Wally Bronner often shared, that “Without CHRISTmas, Easter would not be possible.” And in this moment of conscious stillness, I feel God giving me this picture of a beautifully wrapped gift. And while Christmas has become a holiday associated with exchanging gifts with loved ones, I realize this is not a passive illustration I’m seeing.
God’s Christmas gift came beautifully wrapped, in swaddling clothes. Not to a place we’d expect to find a gift … under the tree — or in the Inn. But in a lowly manger, with just a few of mankind watching — yet ALL the host of Heaven, ADORING!
But God’s gift … unlike those we exchange on Christmas morning, isn’t yet revealed in it’s fullness… His is a CHRISTmas gift, not unwrapped with a fury of wrapping paper, flying through the air.
Easter’s Resurrection Sunday is the opening of this precious and priceless gift, revealed! When Christ, who came as a tiny babe in Bethlehem, bestows upon us reconciliation. Love. Forgiveness. Mercy. Grace. A call to holiness.
Oh come, let us adore him in reverent wonder and awe!
What Christmas Means To You …
Bronner’s is grateful for our community of CHRISTmas enthusiasts! We would love to know what Christmas means to you?
Here we are sharing, just one, really meaningful response from Richard Buie,
“Our families celebration has changed so much over the years. With children growing up and starting their own families to the elder members whom have left the celebration.
The days of the huge family gatherings have given way to a small, quiet dinners.
To me Christmas has become a new tradition of reading the Gospel of Luke, a chapter per day. It has become a time of reflection and gratitude for the ones still here, and a time of remembrance for those who are not.
It is the time of celebration for the birth of the greatest reason for celebration ever! Merry Christmas to all and Happy Birthday Jesus!”
Featured: Holy Family Dome Glass Ornament (1270343)
For Holly Noel, Christmas is the Thrill of Hope!
MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU AND YOURS,
FROM ALL OF US AT BRONNER’S CHRISTMAS WONDERLAND.
Like A Message Sent From Heaven
Just after this went live, I received a beautiful Christmas card that felt like an exclamation point to the message on my heart in this post. The poem on the cover reads:
God’s Gift
Little Baby on the hay,
soon there’ll be another day
when nails shall pierce Your hands and feet
as You provide our sin’s defeat.
Risen Jesus on the throne,
we lift our praise to You alone —
for You’re the gift that we receive
the moment that our hearts believe.
— Roy Lessin
