SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                               1057

“Holiday or Holy Day”

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6)

Imagine going to a birthday party where all the guests arrive to exchange gifts with each other EXCEPT the guest of honor? Isn’t that what the Christmas season has become?

For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words, of him will the Son of Man be ashamed when he comes in his glory and the glory of the Father and of the holy angels. (Luke 9:26)

Happy Holidays! Merry Xmas! Xmas trees. Holiday wreaths and cards.  Season’s Greetings.  In all of the terminology there is something notably missing and its absence speaks volumes about the state of our global society.

There is a worldwide birthday celebration at this time of year and the guest of honor is not invited. His chair is empty and marked with an ‘X’. His name has been edged out in favor of generic, politically correct terminology. The tradition of gift exchange in celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, our Savior has in itself become a ‘god’. The brunt of annual retail sales and the promise of greater profits have transformed the celebration of Jesus’ birth into a celebration of greed and materialism.

Man is seeking to ‘gain the whole world’ and in the process is forfeiting his soul and the Word of God asks ‘What good is it?’ Businesses are ashamed of the Jesus Christ of the season and have edged Him out in order not to offend potential revenue sources.

For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses or forfeits himself? (Luke 9:25)

God’s Word challenges you to not be ashamed of Jesus. Go beyond ‘Happy Holidays’ and be a radical. Boldly wish your customers, neighbors, coworkers, and acquaintances – people you meet on the street a ‘Merry Christmas’. Don’t give in to societal pressure by spelling ‘Christ’ with an ‘X’.

Act in accordance with the fact that Jesus is the Reason for the Season. Celebrate the season’s true meaning and give gifts to Jesus by giving to those who cannot give anything back.

For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me…‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’ (Matthew 25:35-40)

Enjoy the holiday by celebrating the Holy Day of our Savior’s birth and have a Merry Christmas!