By Morris Wambua
Every December, the world seems to collectively dive headfirst into the madness of Christmas.
People scramble to buy gifts they can't afford, roads and bus stations overflow with travelers heading "upcountry," and families brace for what might be the season's real tradition: awkward reunions and tense family meetings masked as “bonding time.”
Yet amid all this chaos, there’s joy, laughter, and a strong sense of togetherness.
It’s wonderful.
But as we wrap our presents and string up lights, it’s worth asking: have we lost sight of what we’re really celebrating?
Don’t get me wrong, Jesus’ birth is extraordinary.
The thought of God humbling Himself to become a helpless baby is nothing short of awe-inspiring. But Christmas is only one chapter in the story.
It’s neither the introduction, not the climax, nor the resolution—it’s simply the setup.
The story that saves humanity and changes eternity isn’t centered on the manger.
It’s at the cross. And sadly, that part often gets overshadowed.
Bethlehem: Just the Beginning
There’s something undeniably heartwarming about the Christmas story—a young couple with nowhere to stay, the smell of hay in the air, angels singing, and shepherds rushing to meet the newborn in a manger.
It’s picturesque, almost romantic, and wrapped up in cozy feelings. But when you take a step back, it becomes clear that Bethlehem is just the beginning.
Jesus didn’t come to remain a baby. He wasn’t born for the sake of nativity scenes and carols.
The angel told Joseph in Matthew 1:21, “You are to give Him the name Jesus, because He will
save His people from their sins.” That’s the true meaning of Christmas. Bethlehem happened so that Calvary could.
However, somehow, we’ve allowed the manger to outshine the cross.
We pour energy into celebrating His birth, but how often do we reflect on why He was born in the first place?
Why Calvary Matters More
If Bethlehem was the beginning, Calvary was the purpose.
The baby in the manger grew up to be the man who healed the sick, loved the outcasts, challenged the powerful, and gave His life for us.
His death and resurrection are what define Christianity. Without Calvary, there’s no salvation. Without the cross, the manger is just a sentimental story.
Paul emphasizes this in 1 Corinthians 15:14: “If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins.”
Notice he doesn’t say, “If Christ was not born.” While Jesus’ birth is miraculous, it’s His death and resurrection that give it significance. Bethlehem gave us a Savior; Calvary gave us salvation.
Why Christmas Overshadows Easter
So why does Christmas get all the attention, while Easter often feels like a quiet afterthought?
Maybe it’s because Christmas is easier.
It’s safe.
It’s warm.
Who doesn’t love the image of a baby in a blanket, surrounded by sheep and wise men?
It’s an easy sell emotionally—and commercially.
Easter, on the other hand, is messy.
It forces us to confront sin, suffering, and sacrifice.
You can decorate a manger with lights, but a crucifixion isn’t exactly Instagrammable.
Christmas is cozy; Easter is uncomfortable. And if we’re honest, we prefer cozy.
This imbalance shows in how we celebrate.
Christmas stretches out for a whole season, with decorations, special foods, and public holidays.
Easter, despite being the foundation of Christian faith, gets a long weekend, a few muturas during evening strolls, and maybe a church service.
It’s as if we’re saying, “Let’s focus on the cute baby and skip over the tough stuff.”
Modern Christmas: A Beautiful Distraction?
Christmas has turned into a global party—sometimes for the wrong reasons. Cities overflow with carols and last-minute shoppers, while villages brace for chaotic homecomings filled with joy and logistical headaches.
If you’ve ever traveled “upcountry” at Christmas, you know what I mean.
Roads jam with buses, cars, and matatus overflowing with people, goats, and luggage.
Everyone’s migrating home, loaded with shopping bags big enough to rival Santa’s sleigh.
The holiday spirit is alive—but so is the exhaustion. And once you finally arrive? Family meetings.
Ah, family meetings—the unofficial Christmas tradition.
They start with prayers for unity but often end in heated debates about land disputes, wedding costs, or who forgot to send money for Grandma’s birthday.
Honestly, these gatherings could be their own reality TV show.
Bringing Christmas Back to Its Purpose
Gift-giving, family gatherings, travel, and feasting aren’t bad.
They’re part of what makes Christmas special. But if we’re not careful, these traditions can distract us from the heart of it all.
Decorations, feasting, and trips home should never take priority over the reason we’re celebrating.
When the angel announced Jesus’ birth to the shepherds, he said, “I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people” (Luke 2:10).
That “good news” wasn’t just that Jesus was born—it was that He came to save us.
Christmas reminds us that the manger was only the first step in God’s plan to redeem the world.
Making Christmas Meaningful
- Connect the Manger to the Cross:
As you celebrate, reflect on the bigger picture. Jesus wasn’t just born—He
lived, died, and rose again for us. Read the Christmas story, but don’t
stop there. Follow it to the cross and the empty tomb. - Celebrate Generosity, Not Materialism:
Giving gifts is a beautiful tradition, but it shouldn’t be about
overspending or outshining others. Instead, focus on giving in ways that
reflect Christ’s love—through kindness, charity, or helping someone in
need. - Prioritize Easter:
Let’s give Easter the same energy we give Christmas. Plan for it.
Celebrate it. Reflect on its significance. After all, Easter is why
Christmas matters.
4. Simplify the Season:
Christmas doesn’t have to be stressful. Focus on what truly matters:
faith, family, and gratitude. Let everything else—decorations, parties,
and even family drama—take a backseat.
The Real Gift of Christmas
This Christmas, let’s celebrate joyfully—but let’s also remember the bigger picture.
Bethlehem was just the beginning. Calvary was the reason. The manger was beautiful, but the cross changed everything. And the empty tomb? That’s where hope was born.
So as you navigate holiday traffic, unwrap gifts,or endure another family meeting, take a moment to reflect.
Jesus came to die so we could live. That’s the real gift of Christmas—and it’s worth celebrating
every single day.
Merry Christmas!
May your celebrations be joyful, meaningful, and a little less chaotic.