SANCTIFY THE SEASON…and
keep it His
by Pastor Jack Hayford
I came across an article in a Christian journal several years ago,
and I’ve never been able to
escape the impact of its title: "Forgive Us Our
Christmases, As We Forgive Those Who Christmas Against
Us."
My first reaction was, "Why so dour? Why so negative a tone
concerning such a happy season?" Almost immediately, I answered
my own question. Because there is so much done in the name of
Christmas that is neither pleasing nor honoring to Christ.
Even so, I find myself doing battle almost every year with those
who argue against Christmas, calling it a pagan festival. Or against
giving, as though it were a commitment to greed. Or against decorations,
trees, or just plain fun, as though such participation defiled something
holy. Such harsh debunking in the name of godliness is nothing more
than "holy humbug." (And not all that holy, besides.)
We resist as a deadly religious and non-scriptural notion the idea
that participation in such festivals as Christmas and Easter are
heathen practices to be shunned by the believers. Instead, we hold
that only believers have access to the concepts that allow
for the fullest and richest celebrations at such times.
No one can verify the calendar date of Jesus’ birth, but we
accept December 25 as an annual day of declaration that "The
Word became flesh," and that "Light has come into the
world."
No one can validate the giving of gifts as a divinely appointed
means of celebration, but since we serve a gift-giving God (James
1:17), we believe it appropriate to signal the occasion of his greatest
gift as a time of sharing in the same spirit of love.
Although no one can make a "biblical case" for Christmas
trees, we gather around ours with joy. We see in its living branches
a symbol of everlasting life given us because of Jesus’ death
on the tree, at Calvary—whose crossbars X-ed out death
and ushered in forgiveness, regeneration and eternal hope.
Yet as much as I have resisted the cynical slams against Christmas
festivities, I must be equally confrontive with a glib, silly or
shallow celebration of this precious day and season.
We cannot honor him who was shunted to a stable by a world too
busy with its commerce, if we overlook the little ones who are denied
birth in a system that cares more for personal convenience than
for human life itself.
And we dare not forget that the first Christmas was visited upon
the lowly. The shepherds symbolize those who live outside the mainstream
of society’s life and commerce. They were little regarded,
lightly valued and possessed next to nothing.
If I would honor Christ with my Christmas giving, it must include
doing something to help both these groups: the defenseless and the
needy—the undesired infants and the overlooked poor.
Here is my simple appeal: Would you take the equivalent amount
you are spending for one of your nicer gifts this Christmas and
make a gift—in Jesus’ name, in Jesus’ love, and in
remembrance of the Bethlehem Babe they tried to kill?
I’m thinking of the Crisis Pregnancy Center nearest to you.
I’m thinking of one of the fine Christian groups that sponsor
poor children in Third World nations. I’m thinking of your
church’s ministry to the disadvantages in your own community.
Let’s glorify Jesus this special way, remembering his entry
into our world as a humble, helpless baby. It’s another way
to sanctify the season—and keep it His.
|
Jack
Hayford Ministries
14800 Sherman Way, Van Nuys, CA 91405-2233