by Kenneth Copeland
The over-commercialization of Christmas has long been a struggle for believers who seek to focus on the real reason for our joy and celebration—the birth of Christ. Even the beloved character Charlie Brown has been voicing his dismay since 1965 in the classic Christmas movie.
A slurry of ads for Black Friday, Black Thursday and Black November arrive in our mailboxes, driveways and doorsteps by storm. Each one is calling us to: Buy more! Give more! Spend more!
Christians have often felt frustrated or discouraged with the focus being placed in the wrong place. Some have even questioned whether it is acceptable for believers to participate.
At the same time, we need to remember that God is the One who instituted the concept of holidays.
He instructed Israel to have feasts and special memorial celebrations in the Old Testament, knowing it is beneficial for mankind to continually remember and praise God for all the good things He has done for them.
Satan is the one who imitates and twists whatever God originally created or instituted. So if anyone is doing the imitating in regard to the celebrating of holidays like Christmas, it is the ungodly, not Christians.
We should make no apologies for wanting to commemorate and thank God for the greatest gift He ever gave us—His precious Son, Jesus.
Instructions for celebrating the life of Jesus are not specified in the New Testament, except for the instructions given regarding Communion in 1 Corinthians 11:23-34.
But there are certain principles we can follow as we prepare to celebrate this season.
Honor The LORD in Whatever We Do
Colossians 3:17 says, “Whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father.”
We honor the true meaning of Christmas by celebrating it as an opportunity to renew our minds to the fact that God’s love was lived out before us in the person of Jesus Christ. No longer do we see Jesus as just a little baby, but as a full-grown man raised from the dead, seated at the right hand of Father God, praying for us every moment of the day.
We give gifts and share our love for one another just as God shared His love and gave us the greatest gift of all—Jesus. We spend this time as a worship and praise to our God.
Colossians 2:16 says not to let people judge you of these things. So, again, we remind you to allow the Holy Spirit to be your guide. If you will always keep Christ as the center of each day, then every day belongs to The LORD.
As long as we are celebrating the reality of the One who is the real reason for the celebration, we are not condemned if we enjoy other Christmas traditions.
Share His Love With Others
Christmas is a very important time of year. It’s a time of year when the whole world is hearing the message of the birth of Jesus. It’s a time when people are tenderhearted…the perfect time to plant seeds of love in the lives of those you meet.
Sometimes those seeds may just take the form of a kind word in the middle of rush hour shopping. Other times, you may get the opportunity to pray and minister to someone. But whatever the situation, keep a sharp eye out for even the smallest chance to assist people.
I’ve had some outstanding experiences giving a few dollars to someone in need. As they are taking the money, I tell them, “This money is from The LORD Jesus Christ. I serve Him. He is the One who instructed me to help you.”
It’s amazing how many people are ready to hear what you have to say when you say it in love. They’re starved for someone to really care. Be that someone this Christmas season. Spread The WORD about the peace that’s available in Jesus. Tell about His goodwill toward men.
Who knows how many of those small seeds may one day take root and bring one more precious person into the glorious kingdom of God?
Remember the Greatest Gift
Jesus was God’s ultimate gift of love—His plan for the world from the beginning. Acts 3:26 says God sent His Son, Jesus, to BLESS you.
The Names of Jesus recorded in Isaiah 9:6—“Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (NKJV)—express THE BLESSING and the fullness of our faith, hope and love.
This Christmas, let’s wholeheartedly celebrate the greatest gift ever given, and let’s be purposeful to share the love of Jesus with everyone we meet!
Dare to Shine His Light on Christmas!
Let’s remember to be a blessing at every opportunity so that we can show others the love of Jesus:
- Commit to honor the true meaning of Christmas by keeping Jesus the center of your life every day.
- Sow seeds of kindness and love by giving someone a compliment or writing someone an encouraging text.
- Make plans and budget to give to an individual or family in need this Christmas, by either providing money, food or gifts.
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