Tuesday, November 28, 2006

Keep Christ in Christmas!

Don't X out the Christ in CHRISTmas!


“And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger." Luke 2:8-11 (NIV)


In our society today there is a need to be politically correct. But there is one event that changed the course of history – that’s the birth of Jesus Christ. So, to meld it down to “Happy Holidays” just won’t cut it. And to just write “Xmas” instead of Christmas is even more absurd.

Christmas is about Jesus Christ. That’s the point. Jesus is the reason for the season. It doesn’t matter what you believe or what opinions you may have, the whole point is that Jesus’ birth changed the world. Thousands of years later, we are stilling celebrating the season with Jesus’ entrance into the world in mind. Or are we?

Just like prayer was taken out of public schools – will we see the day where Christ will be taken out of Christmas?

Why is it we can pass along fables, fairy tales and honor other “heroes” from history like Christopher Columbus or Dr. Martin Luther King but we water down the mention of Christ in Christmas?

It’s all about Jesus. Yes, it’s all about him. His death, burial and resurrection changed the world. We divide time based on Him: “B.C” (before Christ) or “A.D.” (after death). If he is that important that time is referenced in terms of his birth and death, then certainly we can keep the holiday all about Jesus Christ.

Saying Happy Holidays is nice…we throw in New Year’s too and all the other religious holidays – but there in nothing more significant for than saying “Merry Christmas.” We must realize that if it wasn’t for his birth, we wouldn’t have eternal life. He came to give life – and give it more abundantly. Jesus is the reason for every season. He came to rescue us (save us) from our selfish selves.

Jesus Christ. Anointed by God to bring salvation to a dying world. He is still on the job today. Santa is nice. But Jesus is the truth, the way and the life – eternal.

When you hang up your Christmas lights this year, think about this: who was really the light of the world? If you believe in Jesus, are you letting your light shine also? Let the world know it is “Merry Christmas AND Happy Holidays.” Holidays are holy days when God is in the center – and that’s worth celebrating anytime.