Matthew 2:1-12 Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him. {3} When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. {4} And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born. {5} And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet,{6} And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel. {7} Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared. {8} And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also. {9} When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was. {10} When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. {11} And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh. {12} And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way.
The meaning of Christmas:
Christmas is an amazing holiday, perhaps the most amazing of all our holidays. It is centered around and focused upon the birth of a child – the Christ Child – that would change the world. Time was even affected; we measure time as B.C. (before Christ) and A.D. (in the year of our Lord). Too often people try to obscure Christmas over the debate that this is not really the date Christ was born. This may be true, but it is not the date we worship and honor, it is the Christ we worship and the day we honor – the day of His birth. God made promises to Israel and the world before Christ and now those promises are fulfilled in this One Child – Jesus the Christ.
Christmas gets lost:
The world worships money and seeks it to satisfy their desires and fulfill their dreams. Decorations have overshadowed the Babe in the manger and He has been replaced with false idols. The giving of gifts has become the center of Christmas and God’s Gift is lost in the wrapping paper, tinsel and merry-making. Parties have replaced church services and temperance has been replaced by alcohol and lasciviousness.
What should Christians do?
What should our reaction be to it all? Should we close our doors and hibernate until the season is past? Should we refuse to decorate, give gifts and attend special events? Should we say, “Bah! Humbug!” and bury our heads? How should we respond to this contemporary society that eliminates the true meaning of Christmas and replaces the greatest Gift of all time with Santa, elves, reindeer and other images?
Some guidelines:
Be God-centered-- we are free to worship/celebrate. God has no problem with Christians celebrating His Son’s birthday – whether it be by decorations, giving of gifts or even proper parties. God does not condemn us for preparing and eating special foods at Christmas (don’t over eat).
2. Build up and encourage -- just because someone celebrates with different traditions don’t be judgmental. Even if they do use improper symbols to celebrate – be Christian (light and salt) to them and try to win them by your Christian attitude. Encourage other Christians in their walk – we are our brother’s keeper. Exercise caution over areas that are not specifically addressed in Scripture. Remember 1 Jn 1:5. Turn on the light for others by your gracious words and actions.
3. Don’t conform to the world, keep Christ in focus. Don’t allow the decorations or celebrations to obscure our view of Christ. It is a day of great expectations for stores and business owners – 50% of their income is realized at Christmas. Advertisers and retailers pull out all stops to get people to buy. Let our love and commitment to Christ shine above all these allurements. The world’s pattern is selfishness and greed and corruption. Keep our families on track with our Christian values.
4. Christian giving -- don’t neglect opportunities to give. The Salvation Army collects needed funds at Christmas to aid in their ministry to others. Be wise in contributing. Don’t forget God gave so that we might have eternal life; we can give that others may also have eternal life thru a ministry of love.
5. Recognize spiritual warfare – spiritual battle doesn’t cease at Christmas.
It is often more intense this time of year. There are more people depressed at Christmas than any other time of year, because we have lost sight of what the reason for Christmas is. Be sure to honor Christ – it is His birthday; He is the Reason for the season.
It is easier to live the other 364 days of the year for God if we live for Him on His Son’s birthday. The devil competes for first place in our life – whether thru false celebration or other means; keep Christ in view. Allow Christ to be God at Christmas and worship and serve Him. And have a very Merry and Blessed Christmas.