Articles
Tis The Season
Tis The Season
But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:10-11)
Once upon a time long ago it was decided by human beings that December 25th of each year should be celebrated as the birthday of Jesus. Some believe so firmly in this day and season that it is nothing short of blasphemy to raise a question as to engaging in this day as a religious observance. I find myself wondering, if Christmas is to be observed in a religious vein and celebrated as the birth of Christ, why is it not proclaimed as such in God's word? Why are the men who wrote under God's inspiration totally silent about this observance (2 Pet.2:3; Jude 3; 2 Tim. 3:16-17)? Considering the way Christmas is observed in a religious vein with no biblical authority to do so coupled with the deceptive activities based on falsehoods that are promoted and engaged in as a part of this season should raise a red flag urging us to be very careful as to how we observe this time of year. Please understand, I do not seek to tell you what to do or believe about celebrating Christmas. Everyone must decide for themselves what to do and what not to do.
With some exceptions this is truly one of the happiest times of the year, filled with excitement. It is a time when love, kindness and generosity fills the hearts of men and women everywhere. But I do want to remind one and all that true and lasting happiness comes only through being recipients of the many blessings, both physical and spiritual, that are bestowed upon us every day of the year by a loving and faithful God (James 1:16-17, Prov. 8:32, Prov. 28:20, Eph. 1:3, 2 Pet. 1:2-4). Our hearts should be overflowing with happiness and excitement every day of this earthly journey because as a child of God we have the blessing of a hope that goes beyond this earthly life with all of its celebrations (Col. 1:12-14, John 14:1-3, 2 Cor. 5:1-10).
We often hear the expression, “Jesus is the reason for the season.” The problem here is that multitudes of people seem to forget that Jesus is the reason for every season of the year, not just this magical time of year only. Can you imagine what would happen if the same measure of love, kindness, forgiveness, generosity and thoughts of God and His Son remained constant in the hearts of men and women throughout every season of the year?
Of a truth, the birth of Jesus was and is a most significant event in the history of man. But I can only wonder how many of the multitudes of people celebrating His birth today know and have truly accepted the full meaning of His life, death, burial and resurrection from the dead. Never forget that if He had not died on that cross and then come forth from that tomb, His birth would be no cause for celebration at any time of the year. What joy should reign in our hearts. We should be filled with excitement and happiness. The news is good, we have a Savior who is Christ the Lord (John 3:16, Rom. 5:8-11, Acts 4:12, 1 Pet. 1:3-9). If we really want to honor Him, let’s do it 365 days a year by showing our love for Him through an exacting obedience to Him every one of those 365 days.
Charles Hicks, Gallatin Tennessee
