Keep Christ in Christmas!!! This time of year, I see this phrase mentioned all over social media sites, on bumper stickers, on printed button pins worn on coat lapels, etc. Sometimes Christians make an emphatic proclamation of the phrase MERRY CHRISTMAS to declare their opposition against statements like “Happy Holidays,” “Seasons Greetings,” or the use of “X-mas.” Some may even sanctimoniously blurt out Merry CHRISTmas after kindly being wished a “Happy Holiday.”
What we may not realize is that our approach to Christmas can be interpreted in a way that perhaps we did not intend, and we become “that hostile Christian.” As a result, our passionate motivation to “Keep Christ in Christmas” has the opposite effect, and instead of people being drawn by our actions, they are repelled. Indeed, believers in Jesus Christ should never be ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ (Rom 1:16). It is also absolutely true that Jesus is the only authentic reason for the Christmas season. However, we must remember that those who are not in Christ and who provide other well wishes for the Christmas season may not understand the Biblical story about Christmas, and as a result, they cannot grasp the redemptive and spiritual meaning of Christmas. 1 Cor 2:14 (NLT) says, “But people who aren’t spiritual can’t receive these truths from God’s Spirit. It all sounds foolish to them and they can’t understand it, for only those who are spiritual can understand what the Spirit means.” There will be opportunities, as the Holy Spirit leads us, to take a stand for Christ.
Christmas time is one of the best times of the year to gracefully show the love of Christ in hopes of explaining the real meaning of Christmas. Truthfully, if we are keeping the genuine love of Christ in Christmas, we are actually keeping “Christ in Christmas.” So, instead of being preoccupied with the vernacular used to express Christmas greetings, I challenge you to “Keep LOVE in Christmas.” Keeping love in Christmas can provide opportunities for you to share the real meaning of Christmas.
So, how can we keep love in Christmas during a time of year when the real meaning of Christmas is sometimes overshadowed by material and commercial traditions? We can be kind and gracious to those around us in our thoughts, words, and actions. Truthfully, as many are partaking in celebrations, many are experiencing hardships, difficulties, and grief. A simple act of kindness can change a person’s outlook. The more we genuinely demonstrate that we care, the more opportunities we will have to share the Gospel message and the reason why we celebrate the birth of our Savior. This is truly what God’s love is all about. In Matt 22:37–39, Jesus says, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”
In conclusion, what will you do if you are greeted with sincere salutations about the Christmas season by an unbeliever who may not get the spiritual vernacular right? I challenge you to keep the genuine love of Christ in Christmas, and again by doing this you are actually keeping “Christ in Christmas.” The observance of Christmas comes once a year in the calendar. But performing acts of compassion and explaining why we believe in Jesus are year-round events. 1 Pet 3:15–16 (NLT) says, “you must worship Christ as Lord of your life.
If someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it. But do this in a gentle and respectful way.” Remember, the more you show that you genuinely care, the more opportunities you have to share Christ who is the reason for the Christmas season.
To learn more about how Bridgeway is keeping Love in Christmas, please visit our Holiday page.
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