Keep Christ in Christmas

                                                                     The war on Christmas.

As with many things in our society, we are greatly polarized regarding the “war on Christmas.” Some are offended by the symbols of Christmas; a baby in a manger, shepherds, wise men and a bright shining star. Some are offended by the songs which declare the birth of this child. Still others are offended by the very mention of the word Christmas. They say we should not have Christmas trees, Christmas parties or Christmas vacations. They say we should not even say Merry Christmas. They say is not inclusive and offensive. Then there are those who are offended that much of our society has allowed the real meaning of Christmas to be taken from us. They promise to keep Christ in Christmas. They say Jesus is the reason for the season. They promise to say Merry Christmas to all. They will have their nativity, their Christmas tree and their Christmas party. They will sing Silent Night, O Little Town of Bethlehem and Hark the Herald Angels Sing.

But is that really the meaning of Christmas? Are we winning the war on Christmas just by committing to hold to these things? Or, have we allowed the war on Christmas to be lost by only fighting for words and symbols? We should not be distracted, drawn into a battle of freedom and rights. If we truly want to stand for Christmas, if we truly want to keep Christ in Christmas, we need to stand for what it truly means. We should remember what the angels said the night that Jesus was born, a child, in a manger:    “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,  “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased.” (Luke 2:10-14)  If we would keep Christ in Christmas, we must proclaim that He is both Savior and Lord.

We should do more than remember that Christmas is His birthday. We should declare that He died to save us from sin. We should remember He called us to preach the gospel, to declare the good news. If we would keep Christ in Christmas, we should know and declare that He’s coming again. This time it will not be as an innocent child in a lowly manger, but rather Jesus, the Christ will come as a King!    Joy to the World is a song we should sing, declaring the coming of the Savior and King.

Joy to The world! the Lord is come
Let earth receive her King
Let ev'ry heart prepare him room
And heaven and nature sing
And heaven and nature sing
And heaven and nature sing

Joy to the world! the Savior reigns
Let men their songs employ
While fields and floods, rocks, hills and plains
Repeat the sounding joy
Repeat the sounding joy
Repeat the sounding joy

He rules the world with truth and grace
And makes the nations prove The glories of His righteousness
And wonders of His love
And wonders of His love
And wonder wonders of His love

To win the war on Christmas: Keep Christ the Savior and King in Christmas and the next day too. Keep Him in Christmas and all the year through!