the Spirit of Christmas

 

I would be dishonest if I said I didn’t like the Christmas season. That is, after Thanksgiving, of course.  I like the festive atmosphere and the lights and garland.  I enjoy the music and songs.  I love the family time most of all.  Yes, the secularization of Christmas to the extent of removing Jesus from it is extremely bothersome.  But for Christians, Jesus will never be removed from the celebration of His birth.  He is, and always will be, the “Reason for the Season”. 

 

I do get kind of upset when all the Christmas shows and movies speak of the “spirit of Christmas”.  They do get it right…but for the wrong reason.  They’ll say the spirit of Christmas is love and that is true….the love of God.  They will say it is giving and that is true….God gave us His Son. John 3:16 sums it up nicely: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son…”. That is the true spirit of Christmas.

 

We also, though, are presented with the opportunity to actually promote Jesus as the world pushes back or ignores Him.  Our response to someone wishing us “happy holidays” should be a resounding “Merry Christmas”.  They understand what we are saying.  Yard and home decorations can point to Jesus.  Car magnets and Christmas wear can bear witness to the birth of our Savior.  In all actuality we can speak and testify of Jesus in this season more than any time of the year.  Be on the lookout to take advantage of all the occasions we have to celebrate the birth of a King!

 

Bro. Tony