Friday, December 21, 2012

What will you do on December 25th?


Christmas is celebrated and enjoyed not just by adherents of Christianity but even those that are outside of it. There is something unique about it that many are enthralled by its significance. While for us, Christian believers, it is about the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ. Let us set aside for a moment the many controversies about celebrating it during wintertime but focus instead of its value to us: the coming of the Immanuel, “God with us” our Savior, in human form.

What are expected of us as Christian believers in relation to Christmas? How should we celebrate it? I believe that there are many great things about it that we need to emphasize: the miracle of the Virgin birth; the promise fulfilled in sending the Savior of the world; God’s love for humanity; and many others worthy of note. While other religions celebrate their faith through their own holidays with such gusto, unfortunately, it is not the same with Christians on some levels. I do not intend to offend but to awaken many of us to the fact that Christmas is a Christian celebration. Sadly, it is being hijacked by secular observance of materialism; other symbols used, whether intentionally or unintentionally, draw away from Jesus as the Reason for the Christmas celebration.

I believe that we as Christians must begin to place great value on celebrating Christmas whenever it comes. Remember that there is a war against it and we are not exempt from the attacks of relegating it as an ordinary celebration. In addition, there are Christians who cannot celebrate it openly due to religious persecution. Even the “Merry Christmas” greeting is being labeled offensive by many sectors.

I would like to appeal to many Christians to set aside Christmas day, December 25th, as high priority for a witness to the world of its importance to us by simply attending a Christmas Day service wherever you are during this time with other Christian believers whenever possible and not to miss it for any other reason. Although many will argue that it can be celebrated on our own in the privacy of our homes with our families, however, in my opinion, it is very important for all Christians to make a public profession of our faith and to acknowledge Jesus as Lord and Savior especially on Christmas Day.

Just observe how many celebrates their birthdays as important milestones. How much more that Christmas affects not just Christians but many people all over the world. Isn’t this something to look forward to and to share why Jesus came to this world? He did not bring any gifts but He became the greatest gift as the Savior of the world.

C’mon Christians of the world, December 25th is one of the two major significant day of our calendar, the other, Easter. Come out and show the world that we are proud of the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The angelic host announced His coming and it is now our turn to announce that He came. Let’s celebrate it while we can do so openly. Would there be a time that we can’t? I hope not.

Christmas day comes only once a year; therefore, let’s not miss the opportunity of celebrating it with other believers in our community. Go to your local church or find a church to attend a Christmas service on December 25th whether you’re at home or on vacation. There’s no other reason worthy enough to miss attending a Christmas Day service to commemorate the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ.

As for my family, and myself, we will be counted present among other believers who will choose to attend a Christmas day service to honor Jesus Christ as the Savior of the world. How about you and your family, where will you be on Christmas Day?

Merry Christmas to all!