Have you noticed that Christmas is being de-Christianed. I realize that it is a little early to think about Christmas, but it is very pertinent to this scripture. First, Santa and presents replaced the real gift of Jesus Christ. Now, people are even afraid to say, “Merry Christmas”. We say, “Happy Holidays” or “Seasons Greetings”. We don’t want to offend anyone, but I think we are offending someone. We are denying our belief in Jesus Christ. We are denying our own personal beliefs. We are denying God. We should shout “Merry Christmas” from the mountain tops.
This scripture calls us to show the world the power of God though our life. If we are afraid to attribute our life to God’s glory then how are people going to see the connection. This doesn’t mean that you have to wear a t-shirt saying, “I work for God” and it doesn’t mean that you really have to shout your beliefs to others. It just means being proud, sharing your beliefs, voicing your calling. If you are growing in God, then He is a natural part of your life. So let people know. If you are going to Bible Study, mention it. You don’t know who may be inspired to join. If the sermon was particularly moving, talk about it. Perhaps others will be moved as well as you. If you are planning to pray for someone, tell them. They may appreciate it and maybe they do the same for someone else.
When people realize through your conversation that you are a Christian, they will look deeper into your life to see how else you proclaim your beliefs. Unfortunately, as humans, we have a terrible habit of stereotyping people and assuming when we know 1 person, we know an entire group. In this case, you can use this idea with positive results. You can demonstrate love, patience, kindness, self-control, faithfulness. In you, non-believers can begin to see the light and those that do believe can be inspired to grow.
So I encourage you to start looking for your Christmas cards now and let them proclaim you love and belief in God and the birth of His son, Jesus Christ.
Let me touch as many lives as possible for thee;
And every life I touch, do thou by thy spirit quicken,
Whether through the word I speak,
The prayer I breathe, or the life I live.
-Mary Summer
FYI – Do not fall into the group who faults those who use “Merry X-mas”. Some people claim that this is taking the Christ out of Christmas, but actually there is historical significance to the X. Unfortunately, there was a time when proclaiming your Christianity was dangerous and so many believer used the “X” as a secret symbol to let others know that they were believers too. Check out Wikipedia for more information and background on this idea. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xmas
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