It’s easy this time of year to see how the message of Christmas has been blurred or almost obliterated in many places. Schools schedule a “winter break” instead of a “Christmas vacation.” Candy canes and Christmas trees are out, to say nothing of nativity scenes and wise men. Even Santa and reindeer are out in some places as guilty by association.

We can’t control what others do but we need to ask ourselves, what are you and I doing to personally shine the light of Christ into the world in which we live? Are we so focused on long lines and long to-do lists that we fail to share the most important thing about Christmas … the gospel of Jesus Christ?

Or is the idea of sharing the gospel any time of year intimidating to you? Check out today’s post to learn about a simple resource and some suggestions that can help you share your faith this Christmas season.

What Are You Doing to Keep Christ in Christmas?

Christmas

There is no doubt the message of Christmas is being systematically removed from the world around us as I mentioned in the introduction. Political correctness has run amuck. Politicians, business leaders, and school administrators have allowed a small minority to make them fearful of almost any mention of Christ or Christmas.

A quick search of the internet will produce numerous blogs written to help teachers and public school administrators navigate the politically correct waters of acceptable music, colors, terms, even candy, for Christmas (oops!) concerts and parties.

Concerns and misplaced sensitivities are much the same in the business and civic worlds.

If you’re like me, you are probably saddened and alarmed that Christ has been removed from much of what goes on this time of year. But we need to be careful that with all our protestations and defiant “Merry Christmas” declarations we don’t stop there.

Sometimes talking about the problem can appease our consciences. And pointing our Scrooge-like fingers at unbelievers can take the place of sharing the gospel with them.

So, what can we do?

Share the Spirit of Christmas

Even when we’re determined to hold to a biblical view of Christmas, it’s easy to get caught up in all the things we need to do. It’s easy to respond in kind to the man who cuts in front of you, the woman who takes your parking space, or the grouchy cashier.

But what those people need isn’t your curt reply or your silent disdain. They need Jesus. And even when it isn’t possible to have a discussion about the gospel, you can let the love of God shine through you.

Long before we were believers, my husband had an elderly customer who was always joyful and my husband noticed. One day he asked him, “Why are you always so happy?” The old gentleman grinned and said, “It’s the Lord who has blessed me!” That was one of the seeds God used in the process of drawing my husband to Him.

Decide in advance that you will respond with the love of Christ no matter what happens or how people treat you. It’s one way you can make a difference.

Offer to Pray

Many people are more stressed than usual this time of year. When they complain about all they have to do, the financial strain, or the Christmas get-togethers with unpleasant relatives, offer to pray with them or for them. And do it!

If the situation allows, share with them how you deal with some of those issues.

Share Your Traditions 

Does your church have a Christmas program or special service? Sometimes people who don’t normally go to church, have no religion, or even claim to believe something else, will come to a special program.

Consider taking them out for lunch or dessert afterward. Look for an opportunity to share your testimony or the gospel. And be a friend.

Share Your Hospitality

Do you know someone without family living close by? Invite them to join yours for a meal or celebration. There are plenty of lonely people this time of year. One of them might be a co-worker, a student living in your area or a soldier from a local military installation. Or maybe there is a young couple living in your neighborhood without extended family. Look around and prayerfully ask God to make you sensitive to the needs around you.

Share the Gospel

Many times we don’t share the gospel because we feel ill-equipped and inadequate. Other times we fear rejection (no one enjoys it). And, sadly, sometimes we’re simply too preoccupied with our own lives.

What Do You Do?

There are lots of other ways to keep Christ in view and bring Him glory? What do you do to point to Him during this busy time of year?

Blessings,
Donna

Getting Ready for the Coming Year with a Plan for Your Bible Reading

What will you do to make Bible reading an ongoing habit in the coming year? And what will you read that can help you grow and change? I want to encourage you to set a goal to read through the Bible again or for the first time.

If you join me here, I’ll take you through a plan that covers both the Old and New Testaments in about 15 minutes a day. Sign up here for my daily email. It can serve as a gentle reminder to stay on track and I believe you’ll benefit from the additional background and application comments that I share. Why not start today?

You can also follow me on Twitter, Facebook, or Pinterest. Just click on the social media icons. But nothing replaces having the daily devotion pop up in your inbox each day. It, usually (once in a while life gets in the way), goes out at 6 a.m. MST.

Blessings as you grow in Christ,
Donna ♥

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