The theme of Christmas is “Giving” We spend a lot of time and money shopping for the perfect gifts for our loved ones. Giving makes us happy. We are taught to be givers and not to worry about what we are getting. Right?

Wrong. Well, kind of.

Of course, Jesus is the reason for the season, but that sounds cliche and even if we know that, then why does the Christmas spirit seem fleeting? Why don’t we discover true peace at Christmas that sticks with us longer than the buzz from the egg nog?

Maybe it’s because we don’t focus on the receiving part.

Yes, receiving.

It’s all about you. Yes, you.

So what is this gift we should receive? I found it in five words in my favorite Christmas Hymn, “O Holy Night.”  Reminding myself of these five words has had a huge impact on my life.

…the soul felt its worth. 

That’s It. Think about it.

Here’s the context in the song:

O holy night the stars are brightly shining
It is the night of our dear Savior’s birth

Long lay the world in sin and error pining
Till He appeared and the soul felt its worth

Till He appeared and…THE SOUL FELT ITS WORTH!

Christmas is all about Christ but Jesus says it’s all about us. He’s the True Giver. And He came into the world so that we would know the worth of our souls…so that we would FEEL the worth of our souls.

Here’s more of the lyrics to the song…

A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices
For yonder breaks a new glorious morn

A new and glorious morning. A fresh start. A new beginning. It’s that simple. This Christmas, receive the gift that God gives: knowledge of the true worth of your soul. 

FEEL the worth of your soul. Know what God thinks your soul is worth and not how you’ve been judged by others or what you’ve convinced yourself of your soul’s worth. Once you know and feel what your soul is truly worth to your Creator, to Jesus, everything changes. Christmas Peace arrives in your heart. Lasting peace. No matter what our circumstances, nothing can take away the knowledge of the worthiness of our souls.

Here’s the rest of the song…

Fall on your knees
O hear the angels’ voices
O night divine
O night when Christ was born
O night divine o night
O night divine

O Night Divine… Christmas Eve is almost here. My prayer is that you will receive the knowledge of the worth of your soul…or remind yourself what you already know. Just ask the Christmas Giver, Jesus Christ, to show you what your soul is worth to Him. Be a Christmas receiver this year.

Really listen to the words to this song…