Including Christ in Christmas

By Carolyn Abell

Once again it's that time of year we Christians call the Christmas season -a time when we celebrate the birth of the Savior of mankind. Or is that what we really celebrate?  If Jesus dropped in this year to celebrate His birthday at my house or yours, what would He think about our plans and preparations? 

I recently read Philip Yancey's book, "The Jesus I Never Knew," and it has caused me to engage in some serious contemplation about who He really is, and how He would react to the holiday we call Christmas.

How many of us spend days, or even weeks decorating, shopping, baking, and of course, preparing a huge Christmas dinner?  The Gospel of Luke relates Jesus' visit to the home of Martha and Mary. Martha was all worked up, trying to prepare a perfect meal for her honored guest, while her sister Mary just wanted to sit at His side and hear Him speak about the Kingdom of Heaven. Feeling very put upon, Martha asked Jesus to let Mary know she needed to help set the table and make the salad. But Jesus' response undoubtedly surprised her: "My dear Martha, you are so upset over all these details! There is really only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it-and I won't take it away from her." (Luke 10:41-42, New Living Translation)

Jesus made it pretty clear that he didn't care what was served to eat; cold sandwiches would have been just fine. He would rather spend the time imparting His wisdom to willing ears than to enjoy eating a perfectly browned turkey with scrumptious dressing and homemade fruitcake.

Another thing we Christians seem to get all bothered about this time of year is public displays. Oh, I know Christmas trees and manger scenes are long-term traditions. But people appearing on "The O'Reilly Factor" to bewail the fact that some town in California won't allow a manger scene in front of the city hall any more, and that some chain store won't let its employees wish us a Merry Christmas, just doesn't strike me as quite the approach Jesus would take. He never exalted Himself; on the contrary, He was a paragon of humility, refusing to even speak in His own defense when brought to public trial. Somehow it's hard to picture Him demanding that His birth be commemorated with a plastic doll in a manger surrounded by hay, sheep and cattle in the town square. I don't go so far as to say He would disapprove of it; in fact, He would probably feel honored to see such scenes in front of churches and homes where He is truly revered as Savior. But it seems somewhat out of character to envision Him forcing a public issue over whether a town or county should acknowledged His birth. After all, He never told us to commemorate His birth. What He did do was give us instructions about remembering His death and resurrection-those pivotal events which forever changed man's path to salvation.

So if we don't have to cook an elaborate meal or get him on "The Factor" to plead His case for Christmas, what would we do with Christ if he visited?  Sing carols?  Open gifts?  What kind of gift could one possibly give to God?

Would He want to go with me to spend a couple of hours searching for just the right presents for people who don't really need anything?  Or might He suggest "I have children in North Korea and the Ukraine who are cold and hungry. Why don't you give money to the Salvation Army to feed and clothe them instead of buying another electronic game or piece of jewelry?"  Or perhaps He would say, "I have young men and women in the Armed Forces who will be separated from their families and very lonely this season. Let's send them some special messages reminding them of My love. Let them know we appreciate their efforts and sacrifice. "

Since Jesus set the example by praying often, He would probably encourage us to spend more time during the season of His birthday praying for the sick, the lonely, the helpless, and the hopeless. After all, for many people, Christmas can be a time when they feel most isolated, alone and depressed. More suicides occur during this season than any other time of year. 

Mostly, I think He would like to see us show more Christ-like love for each other. He gave some instructions on that subject, too:  "So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples." - John 13:34-35 (New Living Translation)

 
Copyright 2008 Carolyn Abell