Keeping Christ in Christians

It's been a while since I wrote anything here. My sabbatical from this blog hasn't been because I've nothing to complain about, but because I've been trying not to be such a whiner.

However, this season, there is something that has finally gotten my goat, and I just feel the need to speak out for something sacred that is being lost, and at a time when it should have our focus.

That something, of course, is the need to keep Christ in Christians. Yes, that's right, I said Christians, not Christmas.

First, I have no desire to enter the debate on whether Christmas is a Christian holiday, or a pagan ritual. I also am not interested in arguing whether it's possible that Jesus was born this time of year or not. And the fact that Jesus is no longer a baby, worshiped in a manger, but a risen Savior is not the subject of my rant, either. I'm content to let everyone be convinced in their own minds about such things. I believe there is a more important issue to discuss.

The facts (among less important details) about Jesus' birth are these: "Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord." This is the message borne by angels to the shepherds all those "Christmases" ago. And, as this good news is for all mankind, for all time, this Savior's birth is "today".

We Christians are all familiar with the significance of sacrifice in both the Old and the New Testaments, culminating in the supreme sacrifice of God's spotless lamb for the sins of all mankind. This is certainly the Greatest Story Ever Told. But it occurred to me the other day, that Jesus' entire life on Earth was one of sacrifice, beginning with his nativity.

Think of what Jesus sacrificed in order to enter that manger. Philippians says it like this: "Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross!" His death was not possible, unless he were to make this first sacrifice—being born as one who could die.

So, what does this mean for us, those who follow him? Interestingly, the above passage from Philippians begins: "Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus:".

Finally, we come to my complaint: Every year I hear the cry from conservative Christians that we must "keep Christ in Christmas", when we should be far more concerned with keeping Christ in...us.

Many of us are willing to sacrifice this time of year, but what are we giving up?

1. Hours of sleep to compete with Black Friday shoppers for those "hot" Christmas gifts.
2. 14-28% interest for the next several months while we pay off our Christmas debt.
3. Our Christian mores as we partake of one too many dips from the punch bowl at one too many Christmas parties.
4. Family relationships because we are offended a relative either did, or did not attend our gathering.
5. Our health and sanity because of the stress of wanting it all to be so perfect.
6. And our joy, because it will never live up to our expectations.

Frankly, the billboard pictured above embarrasses me. To expend so much effort to insist unbelievers recognize the "reason for the season", and see "Christ in Christmas", when they can see no evidence of Christ in our hearts is a travesty. To do it in the name of Jesus, is particularly odious.

If we are truly followers of Christ, it seems to me that our recognition of his birth should be marked with sacrifice, humility, austerity, quietness, and love—every day!

Today, may you find the Savior born to you, and may others find him born in your heart.