December 25, 2022

Matthew 1: 18 (NIV)

This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about . . .

     

Perhaps we should thank those who insist on calling it the holiday season, not because they are removing Christ, but because they have the decency to leave Jesus out of a celebration that has nothing to do with him.*

Do the words, “Merry Christmas” appear anywhere in the Bible? Is there any indication in scripture that we should commemorate the birthday of the King by partying for the whole month of December? The world may have hi-jacked the celebration of our Lord’s birth and turned it into a secular holiday full of bizarre traditions, but wouldn't you agree that Christians are as much to blame?

Matthew and Luke did not think it was important to tell us the exact date of Jesus' birth. While a birthday party for Jesus might not be a bad thing, it is not the day of his birth that he has asked us to remember. He wants us to remember his death. In a simple ritual performed every week by Christians all over the world, we “proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.” (I Corinthians 11: 26) The Lord’s Supper is “the only thing done in public worship for which Jesus gave special instructions.”* While it might not set the mood for a festive holiday party, his death is a reason to celebrate!

Is it not important that after so many important things in the life of Jesus Christ, that the only thing He asks us to remember is His death?*