The true meaning of Christmas. It's a phrase we often tuck into a meaningful sentence after spending too much, going too much or simply having too much on our schedule during December.

Beyond the phrase, the true meaning of Christmas is something I want to embrace. But in all honesty, I'm not sure there's not a singular meaning that can be attached to the notion ­— or celebration — of Christmas. For those of us in the Christian faith, the celebration centers around the birth of Jesus Christ. The story itself is full of miracles and surprising answers to hard questions.

So what is the true meaning of Christmas? For the shepherds, it meant being included. Their rough, smelly work on the outskirts of society relegated them to spending more time with each other or alone with their sheep than any time hanging out in nearby establishments. But it was these outsiders to whom the news of the Messiah's birth was first announced. Can you imagine their fear and astonishment when they were visited by an angel who told them they'd find the long-awaited savior — a baby — just down the hill in Bethlehem? If one angel wasn't enough, an entire sky full of angels singing and praising God soon joined in! Some of the lowest class of society were fully included and became messengers of the greatest thing ever to have happened.

And Joseph. The Christmas story for him is one of obedience and loyalty. He was engaged to the young Mary, who told him she was pregnant. The cultural repercussions of the entire scenario were potentially grounds for Mary's execution. Not wanting to disgrace Mary, he planned to divorce her in private. But in a dream, an angel appeared to Joseph and told him to trust Mary. The angel also told Joseph that the child should be called Jesus.

And Mary. Think about it. She was a young, unknown girl from a small town often ridiculed. How could she have imagined what the Lord had in store for her? You can't blame her for having questions, yet she only asked one. "How?" Not "Why?" Or "When?" Just "How?"

With the answer the angel provided, she stepped forward. She believed. She obeyed. She must have been so frightened! There was so very much at stake. Her upcoming marriage. Her reputation. Her family and its reputation. And even her life. Yet she said, "I am the Lord's servant. May it be to me as you have said."

Do you wonder if she ever regretted that response? Did she ever think, "What have I gotten myself into?" Perhaps she wished the angel had stayed just long enough to tell her mother, too. He had told her not to fear. Can you imagine how often she had to remind herself of that?

What's the real meaning of Christmas for you? Is it the awe and joy of being included? The doubt and wonder of social implications? Or is it perhaps, like Mary, a humble heart willing to believe His promises and follow God's plan?