Why do we need Christ in Christmas?

Every year the world spends billions of dollars on Christmas presents, on food, alcohol and partying. Within days many of these presents are forgotten about, the food is gone and life is a hazy hangover for many people. In this mess of life, Christ is all but forgotten, even though thousands upon thousands engage in their annual pilgrimage to church to sing carols and to hear a ‘feel good’ message of love.

Sadly, many Christians fit into this pattern as well. By and large we demand a shorter service on Christmas day so that we can spend much more time unwrapping presents, getting meals ready and travelling to see friends and relatives. God gets about 1 hour of the day while worldly celebrations get closer to 23 hours.

The world will never take God seriously while Christians continue to blend into the world putting Christ somewhere near the bottom of our priorities. We can’t expect the world to joyously join us in worshipping a God  we are half hearted about. Now I’m not suggesting we run a 6 hour church service on Christmas Day. There are small changes we can make that bring Christ up the priority list. Here’s just a few to get you thinking.
As you wake up on Christmas morning, spend time praising God for the real meaning of the day. Spend time as a family praising God for the coming of His one and only Son into the world.
Refuse to be a one hour Christian and thank God for whatever length your church service goes for.
If you have lunch/dinner etc with family and friends suggest that before each meal you give thanks and take the lead. Spend time praising God for the real reason of the day as well as for the food, presents, company etc.
If visitors are coming to your place, invite them to come earlier and to join you at church.
If some are travelling long distances, suggest to them that they attend a church service in their home region first.
If possible, open up your home for anyone at church that has no where to go on this Christmas day. You might be surprised at how many people sit alone through Christmas Day.

Whether you spend a million dollars for Christmas or one hundred, it won’t change much. But if you share Christ with others, you are making an eternal change in their lives and in the world.