Ever since I began blogging about the Bible so many years and iterations ago, I realized that I did not have all the answers (duh!). So, besides my own constant scriptural research and prayerful contemplation, I look to see what other ‘God-thinkers’ are ruminating about.
This takes me to Christian websites, blogs, and forums. Only in the Christian forums was I disappointed. Most people are sincere – looking for answers, asking for clarity on what they think they understand, and others are offering those things in heartfelt service to their brothers and sisters in Christ.
My disappointment came from my own naiveté, temporarily forgetting that we always bring our humanity along with us. Within the discussion groups are always prideful people spewing out their truth, daring others to challenge it, and putting them down if they do. Not very Christian.
I refer to them, for lack of a better word, as ‘Christian Militants.’ They especially come out on the attack, during Christmas.
First, let’s define the word that is at the center of their ire: ‘Christmas,’ which is a contraction of ‘Christ Mass.’ Coming from the Catholic sect, it means ‘celebration of the Holy Eucharist of Christ.’
There is absolutely nothing wrong with that definition. Christmas is not only about the birth of Christ, but it also incorporates the promise of His ultimate gift, as He explained at the Last Supper (Lk. 22:14 – 20.), which was manifested during His crucifixion and resurrection.
Let us also consider the scriptures most commonly ‘cherry-picked’ by the militants, to reject Christmas:
So he went up to the altar which he had made in Bethel on the fifteenth day of the eighth month, in the month which he had devised in his own heart [in defiance of God’s commandments]; and he held a feast for the Israelites and went up to the altar to burn incense [in defiance of God’s law.] 1 Kin. 12:33 AMP
Here, the evil King Jeroboam of Israel, who came into power after King Solomon died, created a man-made holiday as opposed to God’s holiday. Let’s look at the next one:
“You skillfully sidestep God’s law in order to hold on to your own tradition.” Mk. 7:9 NLT
In this example, Jesus is admonishing the Pharisees for complaining about His disciples for eating without first performing their hand-washing ceremony – again, putting the desires of man before God.
Lastly, let’s consider this:
Hear the word which the LORD speaks to you, O house of Israel. Thus say the LORD,
“Do not learn the way of the [pagan] nations, and do not be terrified and distressed by the signs of the heavens, although the pagans are terrified by them; for the customs and decrees of the peoples are [mere] delusion [exercises in futility];
It is only wood which one cuts from the forest [to make a god], the work of the craftsman with the axe or cutting tool. They adorn the idol with silver and gold; they fasten it with hammers and nails so that it will not fall apart.” Jer. 10:1 – 4. AMP
This speaks of making idols of trees. No one is idolizing a Christmas tree.
I am going to let one of my Christian heroes, Pastor John Piper, explain his views, (from his DesiringGod.org broadcasts, regarding Christmas:
“…the pagan roots of Christmas are so far gone that our present meaning doesn’t carry the pagan connotation anymore. Let’s just take it, sanctify it and make the most of it, because Christ is worthy of being celebrated in His birth.”
He also speaks of the two major explanations of why the date of December 25th was chosen to celebrate Christ’s birth:
- “It was a pagan holiday for celebrating the birth of the sun and Christians adapted and countered that with the celebration of the True Light of the world.”
- Quoting the Oxford Companion to Christian Thought: The 25th was chosen on the belief that His conception occurred on March 25th – potentially establishes December 25th as a Christian Festival, which, when promulgated, might have provided for the Christian feast both opportunity and challenge. Piper comments: “In other words they are not sure which came first, the pagan or Christian identification.”
Pastor John summarizes: “So, I think with regards to all the ways our lives overlap with culture, we should make every effort to live and celebrate in such a way that we show Jesus Christ is supremely valuable in our lives, not in the world, or the things in the world.”
Regardless of your thoughts on the matter, or about how people celebrate it, Christmas is the rare time of year that most of the world lays down their arms and embraces one another in peace and in Joy.
In addition, it is a small window when people are open to baby Jesus. Are you going to destroy this opportunity because is just doesn’t fit your narrative?
What is our Christian Prime Directive? Is it not to share the Gospel? What is the FIRST order of business?
Even though I am a free man with no master, I have become a slave to all people to bring many to Christ. When I was with the Jews, I lived like a Jew to bring the Jews to Christ. When I was with those who follow the Jewish law, I too lived under that law. Even though I am not subject to the law, I did this so I could bring to Christ those who are under the law. When I am with the Gentiles who do not follow Jewish law, I too live apart from that law so I can bring them to Christ. But I do not ignore the law of God; I obey the law of Christ. 1 Cor. 9:19 – 21. NLT
It’s about meeting people where they are at. They will never accept the Gospel if you first beat them up over what you think they are doing wrong. Instead, you want to lead them deeper into the opening that you can provide. You know Jesus. It’s not about you, it’s about saving souls in the Yuletide season.
And it’s the same as in any season. You begin by relating how your life changed after having asked Jesus to be the Lord of it, (first asking Jesus to guide you in this moment).
The best approach is to find a common bond – the weather, conditions in your city, or offering compassion for any stressor the hearer might divulge, all the while offering solutions and performing acts of kindness.
Once you’ve established a rhythm, you might ask them if they are a child of God. Tell them you’re a Christian, how that’s beneficial, and what they must do to become one.
If they rebuke you, repeat back their objection and add, ‘I’ve heard that too, but I found out it wasn’t true.’ Ask them how they think that we got here on planet Earth, and about where they think we go when we die.
At that point, you can refer to scripture, asking if you could sit with them for a short time, and share what you know about God, Jesus, and the two types of eternal life.
You have only one goal: to have this person accept Christ as their Savior, (not to change them in any way). We let God do the talking, by showing them the scriptures that demonstrate the ‘why:’
“…through His name everyone who believes in Him [whoever trusts in and relies on Him, accepting Him as Savior and Messiah] receives forgiveness of sins.” Acts 10:43 AMP
“And anyone who believes in God’s Son has eternal life. Anyone who doesn’t obey the Son will never experience eternal life but remains under God’s angry judgment.” Jn. 3:36 NLT
So, you’ve established how to be forgiven of sins, to attain eternal life, and the importance of obedience. But what if your listener doesn’t feel the need. They don’t think that they are a bad person. You must drive that home (compassionately):
Not a single person on earth is always good and never sins. Eccl. 7:20 NLT
…see the difference between the righteous and the wicked, between one who serves God and one who does not serve him. Mal. 3:18 CSB
Okay, now they know that they have an insurmountable problem. Repeat the solution:
For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering of our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ. 2 Cor. 5:21 NLT
And relate the love in the big picture by telling them, ‘Christ died for you, just as much as He died for me and everybody else. When that happened, Jesus removed all barriers between you and God, by becoming your God-connection (Mt. 27:51; Heb. 10;19).’
Okay, you have given life-saving information. Now is time for the wind-up:
‘It is a gift from God, not something that you can earn. Jesus acquired this gift for you with His life on the cross, taking all the punishment that God would have laid upon all humanity born throughout time, wiping out all their sins – past, present, and future, by exchanging His sinless life to wipe out yours.’
‘You’ve seen the vital importance of the salvation of your soul and how to get saved. Will you accept Jesus now? Let’s kneel together, and I will lead you through prayer, and your salvation will be secure.’
(Time for that sinner’s prayer – here is but one version):
Dear God in heaven, I am a sinner, unable to save myself. I am truly sorry and will do my best not to repeat my sins. But I know that I cannot do it myself. I believe that Jesus is your Son and that He died on the cross for me and was resurrected to pay for all my sins. Please make your Son the Lord of my life, that I may receive your forgiveness, and by your Holy Spirit, I ask for Jesus to take residence within me. Thank you for opening heaven so that I may live in eternity with you. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.
It will burst your seams when you have led this ‘Christmas – lover’ into salvation. Hopefully, you will find a little value in Christmas as well.
(Please, at this juncture, do not let this newbie out into the world. Either follow up or connect them to a church.)
Be happy! The angels are rejoicing!
MERRY CHRIST-MAS!!!
Next time, ready yourself for God’s New Year’s Eve message…
Goodnight and God bless.