Christmas or Xmas

To the best that I can remember I was told, taught and was given detailed arguments that Christmas was not a religious holiday. It matter not that most of the world understood it that way. My friends that went to other churches tried to understand my view, but not very well and they celebrated the birth of Christ as much as anyone celebrated Easter as the day of the Lord's resurrection.

Years have passed and I have come to appreciate the reality and the need to embrace the Christmas story. To preach, teach and celebrate the birth of our Lord is not only a good thing, but necessary. Not that December 25 is actually his birth date, or that we are given any example in the Bible or early Christian history of the church celebrating this day. It just makes sense. I finally get it. Jesus is the reason for the season.

And what a special year this is - Christmas on Sunday. What an opportunity for the church. We don't have to have any special "Christmas Program." We can just worship Jesus and it happens to be on the day that the "world" views as his birth date. The world can come to our buildings and be reminded that a virgin gave birth to the Son of God. They can hear the miracle of this great story.

But then I hear of churches not having services on Christmas. At a time when I am prepared to join in the celebrations, Christians are canceling church on Christmas Day! Why? Family time? Have we sold out the Savior for family? Don't get me wrong, I am all for family, but do you see the paradox? Canceling Sunday morning worship because it is Christmas. I wonder if we have taken Christ out of Christmas (Xmas)?

Go to church services Sunday and worship. Show your family and your world that God is Lord of your life. Put Christ back in Christmas.

Sid