Christmas: A Time of Reflection

Peace has gained momentum in my soul concerning whether celebrating Christmas is truly the right thing to do with all the pagan traditions attached to it.  I felt that because of it's pagan roots we might be grieving the Holy Spirit by taking part in it.  I now see this season as a time we (Christians) have to openly talk about our Lord Jesus.   Most everyone is aware that Christmas is celebrating Christ's birth, so they are more open to the message of salvation through Him.  It is also a special time to get together with family.  It is a time when we as Christians can speak of the love we have for Jesus without as much scrutiny.  I believe we must examine ourselves and make sure that we are able to approach the throne with a clear conscience.

The Lord has been showing me that I must know in my heart who I serve and why, and not to get caught up in guilt trips (it smells of the devil) and "working" for my salvation.  It also smells of the religious spirit which tries to bind us into becoming pious, egotistical, arrogant, legalistic, and self-righteous.  When we read Matt chap 23 Jesus really hits the "religious" where they lived, and still does today.  He gave us all the solution in Matt 11:28-30.  We have to ask ourselves some questions about Christmas such as:

i     Do we use the Christmas season as a chance to reveal God's tender mercy through His beloved Son Jesus to those around us, or do we reveal how impatient and self-centered we have become?

i     Are we giving the Lord Jesus honor and glory in our hearts, thoughts and deeds?

i     Is it the season to be thankful or greedy? Joyful and helpful or lonely and self-centered?

i     Do we "celebrate" by acting according to His word, or do we get drunk and party?

i     Is our "Jesus is the Reason for the Season" pin on our collar in clear view of everyone at the counter as we chew out the sales clerk for not having something in the size, color, style we want? Or are we going to be patient with them and treat them the way we would wish to be treated if placed in a similar situation?

i     Do we spend time with our children telling them about the baby Jesus and who prophesied about His divine coming?  Or do we tell endless stories about a fat, jolly man and then try desperately to cover the lie with more lies when the inevitable and endless questions arise?  (Kids understand pretend..they don't understand their parents lying to them about a man with skills as powerful as God.  Only God knows if they're naughty or nice..  So let's tell them the truth...Santa's pretend!)

i     Is the only time we use the name of Jesus when we speak of His immeasurable love, or only when we swear?

i     Are we going to act like the two Christians who got into a fight over the last teaching tape on "LOVE", or are we going to make sacrifices of what we desire?

i     Can we drive anywhere without screaming at people and getting really upset?

i     Do we have our Jesus bumper sticker there for everyone to see as we cut off those trying to get into our lane of traffic?

i     By our words, actions, deeds, and language do we turn people off or on to God ?

i     If Jesus celebrated Christmas at your house would He enjoy Himself?

This holiday season is a wonderful chance to radiate the light inside of us that God gave us as believers.  Let's not waste the chance!

Judy Briggs Bauman 1997