What Does Christmas Mean (Part 2)? Alan Jackson, John Schlitt, Eva Kroon Pike & Smalltown Poets Share

By Timothy Yap Dec 23, 2014 02:00 AM EST

Though Christmas is celebrated each year, the season conjures up different meaings and memories for different people. For some Christmas is a time to spread God's love in helping others in need. Yet, for others, Christmas is associated with the worship of the Savior. Others emphase the celebration of family as a vital part of Christmas. Here, we do a quick survey at what different artists think of Christmas.

Country superstar Alan Jackson who has recently released his second Gospel album "Precious Memories 2" speaks of remembering Jesus and family for Christmas. "[I] always try to remember Jesus' birthday ... and have a wonderful, big meal, almost like Thanksgiving four weeks later," he notes. "We have the same ... turkey, dressing, all the same kind of things. Sometimes we have family members in Tennessee and sometimes just us or friends. We always go home to Georgia prior to that."

Petra front man and songwriter John Schlitt who has a Christmas album out shares: "Christmas is the time we celebrate the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. It is the one time of the year a major part of the world recognizes Jesus Christ."

Eva Kroon Pike who has recently sang about starting a Christmas revolution through her new single also speaks of the importance of keeping Jesus central in our celebrations. "Christmas, for me, has always been about celebrating Jesus.  Even as a young child, Christmas was centered around church cantatas and programs, holiday parties, gift giving and family get-togethers throughout the month of December.  Now, the world has gone from commercializing Christmas and emphasizing gift giving to absolutely rejecting Christ, the Savior of the world!  For me, Christmas will always be about giving...giving the Son of God to a lost and dying world!"

On the other hand, Christian group Smalltown Poets also point out the importance of the traditions assoiated with Christmas. "We know that Jesus is worth celebrating all year long. But the Christmas season is full of great traditions we share with friends and family, from music to movies to events to get-togethers. As I mentioned, I'm super-sentimental so I love all the trappings of the holidays. And I believe they point us back to the birth of our Savior King."