Putting Christ Back Into Christmas
By: Kristen L. McNulty
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Christmas comes once a year and by far it is the busiest time of year for most people. This isn't something new. When Jesus was born, Christmas meant a census and all of the people in Israel were traveling to their ancestors land in order to be accounted for. Bethlehem was so crowded that first Christmas night that there was no room at the inn for Mary and Joseph. It was so busy there, that I have often wondered if anyone besides the Shepherds even noticed the birth of Jesus. I often wonder the same thing about people today.
Today people are so busy buying gifts, baking, and doing other so-called Christmas related activities, how many of us actually have the true Christmas spirit in our hearts. Let me ask you today- do you?
It has been said that the greatest sacrifice that Jesus gave for us was not dying, but becoming a man. Christmas is a time to remember and celebrate the birth and life of Jesus. Christmas is not a time to count how many gifts are under the tree, but to account for why we celebrate Christmas. I hate to disappoint you, but it's not because of Santa Claus. Our society has shifted the focus right off of Jesus and right onto Santa Claus. We've even changed the pronunciation of the word Christmas. Everyone says Chrismas, as in Kris Kringle. I'm sorry, but it should be pronounced Christmas, exactly the way it's spelled. And just like we should put the emphasis on the word Christ when pronouncing Christmas we should also put the emphasis on Christ in our Christmas celebrations. Putting Christ into Christmas doesn't just mean going to church on Christmas Eve, but it means getting to know the one who is the Christ and living the way he did.
This week during all the busyness of Christmas, I challenge you to take quiet time to remember the real reason for the season. Grab your bible and read the real Christmas story in the book of Luke. Go to the book of Isaiah and read the prophecies about Jesus, then take time to reflect about what you have read. Everything Jesus did, from being born on earth to dying for our sings was done out of love. When we show love to others and to Christ, we are remembering why Jesus came and what Christmas is all about. So will you join me in putting Christ back into Christmas? We've celebrated Christmas far too long. It's time to celebrate Christmas!
This devotional was aired as a part of the Making A Difference Christian Radio Show.