4 Marks of a Christian Christmas

E.B. White, the author of Charlotte’s Web, said over fifty years ago, “To perceive Christmas through its wrappings has become more difficult with every year.” Indeed, it is possible for Christians to observe Christmas and not have a truly Christian Christmas.

It is a redundancy for sure, but in our increasingly secular and self-centered age, it is a necessary one. The first part of the word Christian and the word Christmas is Christ – He who should be the center of each! Christ is the Uncommon One who is the common denominator of every good thing in the life of the believer. Christ sanctifies every person and every day that is given to Him.

The Old Testament feast days are a wonderful example to New Testament Christians of how God’s people have honored the Lord on special days. These ancient Feasts did not exist merely to feed the people. Rather, they were specifically to honor God and recognize His presence. The beautiful result is that the people found their greatest joy as God was glorified!

Study the celebration of David in 1 Chronicles 16 as the Ark of the Covenant is returned to Jerusalem. Compare that with Solomon’s dedication day in 2 Chronicles 7 when the Temple was opened. What wonderful examples of the high, holy, happy days when God’s people rejoice in Him and discover His fulness of joy in the process.

The Lord’s obedient people have always been distinguished by their joy. Worship causes us to see the glory of God and to experience His gladness in our hearts and homes. No one should enjoy Christmas more than those who know Christ and love Him. Some people have the mistaken idea that to be sober about spiritual things is to be morose or gloomy. Nothing could be further from the truth! Spend time with your family and the family of God. Enjoy every good gift that the Father gives (Ecclesiastes 5:19; 1 Timothy 6:17; James 1:17). And let all of the celebration be centered on the goodness and grace of Jesus.

For believers, every celebration should be a day of consecration. Take time to reflect on the mercy of God and rededicate yourself to serve Him with a grateful heart. 1 Timothy 4:4 teaches us that all things are “sanctified by the word of God and prayer.” All ground becomes holy ground as we recognize the presence of God. Take time to read the Scriptures and pray, both in private devotions and with those in your home.

It is significant that when Christ came there was a definite emphasis on HIs kindness to the lowest, most despised and neglected members of society. A poor couple. A humble town. Poor shepherds. What a revelation of the heart of God! As we celebrate and consecrate, we must remember that the day is bigger than us and our family alone. Reach out to those near you. Share the blessings and be used to meet a need.

Why did Christ come? In His own words, “to seek and to save that which was lost” (Luke 19:10). Shouldn’t His people have the same passion? It is impossible to truly celebrate Christmas without wanting others to know your Christ. Angel choirs, Mary, the shepherds, the wise men, Simeon and Anna – all had to tell someone! So should we. At this time of year, opportunities abound and people are often more open to spiritual conversations than at other times. Do not be selfish, distracted, or too busy to point someone to Jesus. Give the gift of the gospel this Christmas!

In Nehemiah 8, we are given one of the finest examples of what a God-honoring, joyful celebration actually looks like: time in the Word (vs. 8), confession of sin (vs. 9), meditation on the goodness of God (vs. 9), enjoyment of God’s gifts with grateful hearts (vs. 10), and giving to those in need (vs. 10). These same elements will help you to make Christmas and every day what it ought to be for a Christian.

“And all the people went their way to eat, and to drink, and to send portions, and to make great mirth, because they had understood the words that were declared unto them” (Nehemiah 8:12).