Lyrics
Everybody's gatherin' 'round that Christmas tree
Laughin' and talkin' and singin' so merrily
There's pumpkin pie and toys; happy girls and boys
But what's the proper meaning behind this Christmas joy
We're celebrating Jesus; that's what Christmas means to me
It's the birthday of the One who makes the blind to see
He purchased my salvation way back on Calvary
I'm celebrating Jesus; that's what Christmas means to me
Hear those sleigh bells jingling down the lane
The choir's singin' Christmas songs again
There's presents 'round the tree; one for you and me
But the greatest gift of all is still the soul set free
I'm celebrating Jesus; that's what Christmas means to me
It's the birthday of the One who makes the blind to see
He purchased my salvation way back on Calvary
I'm celebrating Jesus; that's what Christmas means to me
People celebrate the spirt Christmas brings to town
It's nothing new to Christians 'cause we feel it all year 'round
Year 'round; Year 'round
We feel it all year round
Everybody's gatherin' 'round that Christmas tree
We're laughin' and talkin' and singin' so merrily
There's snow flakes on the ground; there's loved ones all around
But Christmas lights won't shine as bright 'cause all this joy I found.
We're celebrating Jesus; that's what Christmas means to me
It's the birthday of the One who makes the blind to see
He purchased my salvation way back on Calvary
I'm celebrating Jesus; that's what Christmas means to me
I'm celebrating Jesus; that's what Christmas means to me
Video
Meaning & Inspiration
Celebrating Jesus places Christ at the center of Christmas while acknowledging the familiar scenes that surround the holiday. The tree, food, presents, music, and gathered loved ones all appear in the lyrics, but each image gives way to the song’s central confession: Christmas joy is rooted in Jesus. Its recurring chorus joins the birth of Christ with his works of healing and with salvation at Calvary, presenting the manger and the cross as parts of one redemptive story.
The final verses contrast temporary decorations with a joy that continues throughout the year. That contrast gives the song a clear devotional focus rather than treating Christmas as a passing celebration. Luke 2:10-11 closely supports its proclamation of good news in the birth of the Savior, while John 9:5-7 reflects the description of Christ giving sight to the blind. The reference to salvation purchased at Calvary also aligns with 1 Peter 2:24 and its account of Christ bearing sins on the cross.
Related Scripture
- Luke 2:10-11 The angels announce the birth of Christ the Savior as good news of great joy.
- John 9:5-7 Jesus gives sight to a man who was blind.
- 1 Peter 2:24 Christ bears sins on the cross so that sinners may live in righteousness.