As I (Sarah) am sitting here on my bed, I'm reflecting on all of the beliefs and traditions that everyone has thrown at me about Christmas over the years. From gift giving, money, lights, caroling, Santa, Elf-on-the-shelf, and whatever else you can think of - we've heard them all. Some Christians say that letting their kids believe in Santa is fine. Other Christians say that it's a sin. Most Christians say that it's harmless to get each other gifts. Some say that we should minimize how many gifts we give to each other. Some Christians say that any of the traditions that the world presents to us around this time of year are fine and fun to participate in. Others say that we should stand out completely and not partake in these traditions. So here is the big question... What is the biblical way to do Christmas?
Well, folks... I am not sure if I will be answering that question for you in this blog post, but what I am going to do is share with you what God has revealed to me and reminded me of within the past few weeks.
As some of you may know, I am a mom. I have a beautiful and sweet little fifteen-month-old. And as most Christian parents do, my husband and I have very seriously been thinking of how we want to do Christmas in our home now that we have little eyes watching us and little ears listening to us. Now, I am not going to share with you the traditions that we have decided to start with our son nor am I going to share with you all the things we disagree with when it comes to the world's idea of Christmas. What I am going to share with you is something that stems from a question. But before we ask this question, let me tell you a few things that might prep your heart a bit more for what I am going to ask you. What is Christmas about? Now, you might be thinking the obvious answer that all Christians would say - "celebrating Jesus' birth". Of course, that is correct, but there is a second part of it that we often forget. Why did Jesus come to earth in the humble form of a baby in the first place? Well, as Luke 2:11 says, "For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord." There you have it. We needed a Savior. Why? Because we messed up and went against the best and most perfect design for our lives. Which means we went against God. We sinned. As a result, we deserve death. DEATH. Because we have a loving, kind, and gracious God, we have a way out of this death. We needed a Savior. A Savior came (Jesus). Now we have the amazing opportunity to reject Satan, reject death, and spend eternity with Christ Himself. WOW! How stinking exciting! That's why He came. We needed a Savior. Okay. Now that we have that part down, let's finish the second part of what Christmas is about. I'm going to just tell you. Christmas is about celebrating the birth of our Savior and sharing why He was born in the first place with others around us. That's what Christmas is about.
Next, I would like to quickly share two verses with you. 1 Corinthians 10:31, 33 says, "So, whatever you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. just as I try to please everyone in everything I do, not seeking my own advantage, but that of many, that they may be saved."
Paul just said that EVERYTHING he does and says should be glorifying God. Why? So that all the people around him might be saved.
I don't have a lot more to say so please bear with me. For a moment, I want to simply ask you to stop reading this and reflect on what I have just reminded you of. Think and meditate for a moment about why Jesus came to earth in the first place, what all that has done for you in your personal life, and what 1 Corinthians 10:31, 33 would/should look like in your life during Christmas time.
Okay. Now that you have meditated on that for a moment, I have THE question for you. Ready?
Can people hear and see God through everything you say and do during the Christmas season?
This is the question we should be asking ourselves as we prepare for Christmas every year. This question starts in our hearts and minds. Pursue God like He is pursuing you. Seek His guidance this Christmas in every decision you make (decorations, activities, traditions, etc.)
Merry Christmas!
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