Mid-Week Message - The Holy Day Ahead

"And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise."  Deuteronomy 6:6-7

Thanksgiving has passed and Christmas is rapidly approaching.  My, how quickly this year has flown!  As we approach this festive time, let's be mindful of the true reason we celebrate.  Although it was probably not the actual date of the birth of Jesus, it is the day that has been chosen to commemorate it, therefore it is a holy time.  It is up to us as followers of Christ to be bold about telling His story and to train up our children to do the same. 

Each year there is a debate about whether to use the words "Merry Christmas" or "Happy Holidays."  I have my personal preference, however, I have to wonder if it really matters.  Does "Merry Christmas" evoke thoughts about Jesus?  That is the argument that is used.  "Keep Christ in Christmas!" "Remember the reason for the season!"  Amen!  I agree wholeheartedly.  This season should honor Him. 

So, how do we accomplish that?  It is through our joy and willingness to share Him.  We don't have to set ourselves up so that those around us think we are religious weirdos.  We don't have to shy away from enjoying the holiday in our own homes.  But we do need to be willing to be openly honest about the reason why we are celebrating.  Jesus left His majestic throne in Heaven to be born as a human infant.  His purpose for doing so was ultimately to offer Himself as the sacrifice for our sins.  And He did it out of love.  Should it matter that He was not born on that day?  No, because we should hold each and every day as a day to rejoice over His birth.  Every day should be Christmas in our hearts.

Our children need to witness the grown ups around them loving and praising Jesus.  They need to hear us praying.  They need to see us reading the Bible and know that we believe what it says and that we obey it. We teach best by modeling behavior that we want them to emulate.   I pray that as you begin your preparations for the holy day ahead, that you will include your young ones in the "whys" of the season.   God bless you!