What is happening to Christmas?
This year, celebrate the season but avoid the Christmas rush. It can be done!
“She wrapped him in clothes and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.” (Luke 2:7) “This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in clothes and lying in a manger.” (Luke 2:12) “So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child.” (Luke 2:16-17)
These verses about the birth of Jesus truly are the core of Christmas. Our Savior was born unto us and we celebrate it! However, as each year passes, it appears the heart of Christmas continually fades. Little by little, year after year, society continues to diminish Christ from such an exquisite celebration. It is obvious as commercialism rises, countless public squares prohibit the display of nativity scenes, and “Happy Holidays!” is the more acceptable gesture now. What is happening to Christmas?
When Jesus was born Mary wrapped him in a piece of cloth. Whether dirty, smelly, or torn, she clothed Him in whatever was available. On the contrary, we go out of our way to buy the most decorative paper and bows to wrap all the gifts we purchase during this time of year. Once Mary covered Jesus, she placed him into a manger, a dirty trough normally used to feed animals. On the other hand, we precisely place all our presents under beautiful ornamental Christmas trees. When the Shepherd’s saw Jesus, lying in the manger they were excited and eager to spread the good news…the great joy the Angels of the Lord pronounced. On the contrary, many do not know, acknowledge, nor fully understand the significance of His birth.
Can you imagine if just for one season, followers of Christ forfeited all the commercialism, the fancy decorations, and the huge cost that typically accompanies Christmas? The only adornment in our homes would be a beautiful nativity scene. The only place we rush off to would be our local church. Just imagine your heart, mind, and spirit fully smitten on the greatest gift of all, Jesus the Savior of the world. Oh what a Holy night and day it could be!
Dear Father, forgive us for becoming worldly, rushed, and worn out at this special time of year. May our hearts turn back and recapture the spirit of Christmas. Fill our hearts with joy in sharing the good news with others like the shepherds did many years ago. In Jesus name, Amen
Question: Are you going to make a change in the way you celebrate Christmas this year? Are you planning to invite someone to church who normally never goes?
Tags: Barbara Alpert, Christmas, Devotional, Jesus, Luke 2:7, Men, nativity, Women
7 Responses to “What is happening to Christmas?”
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Pamela,
It’s a wonderful idea for you to set up a manger display so the children can see it. At the same time you might be able to share the “good news” about the birth of Jesus with them. I pray that the children will continue to come to your door to learn more Bible verses and in time will receive the ultimate reward…the greatest gift of all… “Jesus Christ our Lord” .
In Australia, we don’t seem to hear of “happy holidays”. We have many neighbourhood children coming to our door, learning Bible verses for small rewards. After reading this devotional, i thought of having a manger set up inside our front door, and letting the children peek in to see it. Thank you for this devotional, Pamela
This devo proves my point since 1978 i stopped all the expense and nonsense of this day. My family wouldn’t even talk to me. i didn’t care. Things are not going to change “back” to Christ being in “mas” b/c we are in those last days where people are lovers of themselves and what they are going to “get” on this day. i work in an office where i have to decorate as the manager and how do you think it makes me feel to have polar bears with santa outfits on and all kinds of silly window gels of rudolph and the like? How do you tell a child it’s NOT about santa clause and reindeer? i also work as a cashier on the weekends at a major dept store and i’m telling you people are more and more nasty every year to part with thier money due to “obligations” to office presents, family members they cant’ stand and on and on. i hear about it all weekend long. Nobody is talking about Jesus and if i bring it up i face being reprimanded. i can’t wait till the whole “show” is over.
Thank you for this. This year my husband and I are going to spend the time preparing by reading Christmas stories and Christmas devotionals, and I am going to invite our neighbour to church with us this Christmas Eve and Christmas morning. God bless you for focusing on the true meaning of the Season – Jesus Christ and the preparation for His return through the spreading of His salvation message to those who do not know Him. The greatest Gift we can give to anyone is our Saviour!
I always attend church on Christmas Eve and this year Christmas day. I try to stay always mindful and thankful for the coming of Christ.
How true this Devotional is. I am so tired of hearing a “Holiday Tree” Happy Holiday etc. We wouldn’t even have this day if it wasn’t for the Gift God gave us so many years ago.
Great article.
Jesus is what Christmas is all about, yet every year he seems to be more squeezed out of it.
Brett Walker