Christmas Isn’t Just for Christians

The following is a blog I edited slightly, by Amy Hauptman. I thought it was an important reminder in a culture of “us versus them.” Let her counsel seep into your bones this Christmas week.

Jesus did not come for Christmas pageants, Christmas trees, or cookies. And he didn’t come for Advent wreaths, live camels, gingerbread houses, or Christmas light shows in sync with the Trans Siberian Orchestra.

Jesus’ Mission Statement: Jesus told us exactly why he came He came into the world.

The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor. (Luke 4:18-19)

It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners. (Mark 2:17)

I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. . . . I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. (John 10:7, 9-10)

So, Here’s a Thought

We must not get so caught up in the celebration of Christmas that we end up worshiping our celebrations rather than our Savior. Of course you already knew that, didn’t you? But let’s dig in a little deeper. Our celebrations can easily become our focus, causing us to forget about the many lost, lonely and hurting people out there—people who have been that way for a long time.

While some of us might be thinking about inviting our non-Christian friends to our Christmas pageants or Christmas services this year, what if we did something different?

What if we invited them over for dinner instead? Or out to lunch, or coffee this week?

When Jesus was on this earth, he didn’t spend much time inviting unbelievers to local church services. He went to them and into their world. How about sending someone you know who’s struggling financially, an extravagant, anonymous gift?

How about visiting a widow in a rest home who will have a lonely Christmas if you don’t? What if you went up to a stranger visiting your church and took them out for coffee?

What about writing someone who may need it, a note of encouragement?

Giving Light to Everyone

Jesus left us with a pretty good example of what it means to be a light in the darkness. That’s who he was and is: “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life,” he said.

So this Christmas season, may we not hide “the light of life” under our church roofs and behind our church walls . . .

Or in wrapped-up boxes . . .

Or behind twinkling Christmas ornaments . . .

Or under our Advent wreath . . .

Or inside our joyful Christmas carols . . .

Let’s remember who Jesus came for: Those who are lost and stumbling in the dark. Those who are looking for the light.

And let us go to them, sharing the good news of who Jesus is and helping them find the true light of the world.

So, what completly unexpected gift will you give someone this Christmas simply because you want to be more like Jesus?