Over the last few years we as a nation have allowed many non-Christian groups to interfere with our politicians and have taken Christ out of Christmas. We have become a holiday that doesn’t celebrate the birth of Jesus and have put too much emphasis on gifts, food, and merriment of engaging socially with others.
We now have someone leading our country that wants to reverse some of the actions of the past. Hopefully we will be able to rescue this dying country and bring back the realization that we were founded on Christian principles and a belief in God. I see a trend taking place when some of our younger preachers and pastors are starting to step up and preach from the Bible instead of modern-day books written by modern-day men. We also have some church leaders that talk about God only to further their kingdom and not the kingdom of God.
All of us as individuals can help restore the true meaning of Christmas through our actions in the world and at home. Since there are so many politically correct companies that won’t allow their employees to say “Merry Christmas”, my wife and I take it upon ourselves to tell each one of these employees we encounter “Merry Christmas and God Bless You.” Most of them will acknowledge with a friendly nod and smile and nearly all of them will say “Thank You.” Some will answer back “the same to you” to keep from jeopardizing their jobs.
Going to church is a good way to keep Christ in Christmas. Go for the right reason though because it is in your heart to worship the one true God and have fellowship with others. Being in God’s house also resonates to those around you, whether in God’s house or to those in the world, that you are a follower of Christ and are not ashamed to show it. You don’t have to wait until the Christmas holidays to do this. You should attend each and every Sunday that you can.
Have a giving heart. Help those in need. Help others receive the spirit of Christmas through your donations or gifts. Find children that will not receive any gifts for Christmas and give them some. Feed a family that is short on funds and cannot afford to have a great holiday-style dinner. Help others enjoy the Christian flavor of a tremendous season.
If you are harboring bad feelings toward someone, forgive them. It may not solve the situations for the ones you are having trouble with but it will free your mind from worry and allow you to enjoy the season. Remember what Christ told us in Matthew 6:14; “For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will forgive you.”
Above all, when you are with family or with friends in a group setting, read the story about Christ’s birth as found in Luke 2:1-20. Most of us know and will read the story ‘The Night before Christmas’ and it is a fun story for children and remembrances of the adults. All of us need to remember that Christmas is not about presents and Santa. It is a time of remembering Christ’s birth. It is a time of celebration and rejoicing with family and friends of a Savior that came to earth to provide eternal salvation to those that accept Him into their heart. What about you? Do you keep Christ in Christmas?
