It’s that time of year again, and we have a story to tell. Christmas is our story, the church’s story. Actually,
it’s God’s story, and He has called His people in the church to tell it to the world. So, as the world decorates
and celebrates this holiday season, let’s join in the merriment by telling the real story of Jesus’ birth.
Despite declining rates of church attendance and professions of faith, nearly everyone in our culture
still celebrates Christmas. They may call it the “holiday season” and not talk about baby Jesus or the manger,
but we should be grateful that most of our neighbors will make the coming days special with parties and decorations.
Even if they don’t know the real story, Christmas is a big deal, just as the angel said, “good news that
will cause great joy for all the people” (Luke 2:10).
Some Christians bemoan all the money made by companies profiting from our Christmas gift-giving,
but maybe we should agree with Charlie Brown’s reaction to Snoopy: “This commercial dog is not going to
ruin my Christmas.” Gift giving is part of the story we tell. God gave the world the priceless gift of His one
and only Son, and the magi brought expensive gifts to honor Jesus. Now, we give Christmas presents to family
and friends as tokens of our love for them and of God’s matchless love for each of us.
We also share the real story of Christmas in our music. While the world grooves to Mariah Carey and
croons along with Bing Crosby, we sing carols celebrating Jesus’ birth:
Joy to the world the Lord is come!
The hopes and fears of all the years are met in Thee tonight.
O come let us adore him, Christ the Lord.
Hark! the herald angels sing, “Glory to the newborn King!”
Even sappy holiday movies set against a backdrop of Christmas decorations can point people to the real
story. We all long for hopeful, happy endings. We like feel-good moments of light and laughter, and we have
the best story to tell, a love story with a joyful ending that offers peace on earth.
So, as your neighbors light up their homes, decorate their trees, shop for gifts and hum along with holiday
tunes, be glad that Jesus’ birth is still celebrated by so many and watch for opportunities to tell the real story.
God sent His Son into this world, born as a little child, placed in a rough manger and greeted by shepherds,
angels and wisemen from afar. Jesus brought light into this dark world, showing God’s love and offering new
life to all who will come to Him in faith.
Take a few moments to read the real Christmas story from the beginning of Matthew or Luke. Refresh
the details in your mind and rejoice in your heart. Jesus’ story is our story, and we get to tell it again this year
with sparkling lights and colorful gifts, through cheerful songs and happy stories.
We share the good news that Jesus came to save us. O come, let us adore Him!
