I think we've taken the meaning of Christmas out. People don't stop and think about Jesus or the birth of Jesus. When they think of Christmas, they think of Santa Claus and - for the children, and they think of giving gifts and out-giving the next person of spending their time looking for the right thing for somebody who has everything.

The quote "I think we've taken the meaning of Christmas out. People don't stop and think about Jesus or the birth of Jesus. When they think of Christmas, they think of Santa Claus and - for the children, and they think of giving gifts and out-giving the next person of spending their time looking for the right thing for somebody who has everything." by Billy Graham reflects his concerns about the commercialization and secularization of Christmas. Graham points out that in modern times, the true meaning of Christmas, which centers around the birth of Jesus Christ, has been overshadowed by materialistic practices and the focus on gift-giving. The holiday, which was originally meant to celebrate Jesus' birth, has increasingly become about things like Santa Claus and trying to give the best gift to others.

The origin of this quote lies in Billy Graham’s perspective as a Christian evangelist who spent much of his life preaching about the Christian faith and the importance of keeping Christ at the center of Christmas. He suggests that the commercial and festive aspects of Christmas, like Santa Claus and the exchange of presents, detract from the religious significance of the holiday. His comment highlights how the true essence of Christmas is often lost in the materialism that surrounds the season.

By mentioning the idea of out-giving and searching for the perfect gift, Graham critiques the societal pressure to give extravagant presents, particularly to people who may not need anything. This, he argues, leads people to focus on the consumer aspect of the holiday, rather than on the spiritual or familial elements that should define Christmas. The act of giving gifts, while meaningful, has become more about competition and less about the selfless love that Christmas was meant to represent.

Ultimately, the quote underscores Billy Graham's call to return to the spiritual roots of Christmas, reminding people to reflect on the birth of Jesus and its significance for Christians around the world. It challenges the modern approach to the holiday, urging people to find a balance between celebration and reflection on the true message of Christmas.