What I want for Christmas...

 

I might be strange or out-of-the-way, but Christmas is no longer fun for me. The holiday is supposed to celebrate the birth of the Savior of the world, but instead it has become a greedy mess. The holiday is supposed to lift up the name of Jesus Christ in praise and worship, but it has become a selfish pursuit of desires. In all the pushing and shoving and getting what you want in being rude, the message of Jesus is further put in the background on the shelf somewhere. The quest for goods and proving what one can buy does more to alienate your fellow man than it does to glorify the Savior for whom the holiday takes its name. A few years ago a friend of mine said he was offended because some used X-mas as an abbreviation for Christmas. Not that I like it either, but that is exactly how the holiday season is described today. Little by little, Christ has been removed from Christmas.

Sooo...

Instead of competing on who can get the decorations up first or who can post the most lights on the property or being the last one to get THE toy of the year, let's bring Jesus into the celebration. Receive Jesus, and you'll be receiving the best gift that ever was or ever will be.

14 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up:

15 That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.

16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him, should not perish, but have everlasting life.

17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.

18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

John 3:14-18 (KJV)

16 Let your light so shine before men that they should see your good works and glorify your Father, which is in heaven. Matthew 5:16 (KJV)

 Instead of trying to be in competition with your neighbors to see who can get the most, spend some time helping others that are in need.

3 Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:3

Instead of uplifting oneself by proclaiming in a boastful way what you have, encourage the downtrodden and the ones that may not feel like celebrating this season. Take a special gift to a mother that has lost a child. Offer to spend time with someone that doesn't have someone to spend the holidays with.

4 Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. Matthew 5:4

Instead of drawing attention to yourself, let the focus be on Jesus. Reflect to others what Jesus means to you. Show the world that Christmas is more than things. Let this also be a time for forgiveness. Forgive those that have gone against you.

5 Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. Matthew 5:5

No matter how many around you seem to be doing wrong things like pushing and shoving ahead of others in line, shoplifting, using harsh words, getting drunk on alcohol, and taking the focus off Jesus, practice being one you know Jesus would be proud to have in His kingdom. This is a great time of the year to set the example of behavior Jesus would approve.

6 Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. Matthew 5:6

Instead of retaliating when someone does you wrong this season, just back away. Instead of shoving back or saying more unkind words, say, "Excuse me." and depart. Don't allow yourself to be caught up in an unmanageable situation that will leave you looking any less than a Child of God.

7 Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy Matthew 5:7

Don't allow yourself to get into situations where your faith could be compromised. Allow your actions to be of God. Acknowledge Him in all things. Don't think because it's the holiday season that it is okay to let your faith go or to do things you know are wrong.

8 Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. Matthew 5:8

Keep an humble spirit. Share Jesus in all your ways, from setting a good example to proclaiming his name among nonbelievers. Set yourself not to wrath. Do not fight with your neighbor even if you are provoked. Do not fuel a fight. No matter how much you nurse a grudge it doesn't get better.

9 Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God Matthew 5:9

Do not allow others to vex your spirit. Even if they persecute you, hold you in scorn for your ways, make fun of you, exclude you from festivities, or even attack you physically, spiritually, emotionally, or mentally, remember that Jesus loves them, too. Others do not understand the significance of the birth of Jesus. Even if they do, some choose to rebel against anything to do with Jesus. Do your best to show the love of Jesus in these situations.

10 Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Matthew 10-11

Tell someone Jesus loves them.

32 And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me. John 12:32