Happy December! Christmas is right around the corner, the lights are going up, and the Christmas carols are playing. Have you ever stopped to think about how Christmas should be celebrated if it were truly about Christ? If Jesus were really born in December, the shepherds wouldn’t have been out in the fields keeping watch over their flocks in the cold of winter. But most people don’t think about that because, for them, Christmas isn’t really about Christ—it’s just another holiday full of food and gifts, centered around self.
Let’s take a moment to think: If Christmas were actually Jesus’ birthday, how do you think He would want us to celebrate it? Of course, we can’t give Him a physical gift, but there is something we can do. Instead of spending money on toys that your children already have in abundance, or on unnecessary things you already own just because you want the latest upgrade, think about someone in need this holiday season.
This morning, I woke up to snow outside, and you know what that made me think of? All the people who are unhoused, who don’t have a warm place to sleep, or even a coat, socks, or boots to protect their feet. Imagine waking up on Christmas morning to open and receive gifts you don’t really need, while someone is out in the cold, just wishing they had something warm to eat.
Then shall the righteous answer Him, saying, “Lord, when saw we Thee an hungered, and fed Thee? or thirsty, and gave Thee drink? When saw we Thee a stranger, and took Thee in? or naked, and clothed Thee? Or when saw we Thee sick, or in prison, and came unto Thee?” And the King shall answer and say unto them, “Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto Me.” — Matthew 25:37-40
Unto the least of these.
If Christmas were truly about Jesus, He would want us to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, and take care of those in need. Just think of how much money is spent over the holidays—imagine what a difference that money could make in someone’s life if it went to providing them with a warm coat, socks, and boots.
Jesus came into this world and lived a selfless life, and as His followers, we are called to do the same. It’s time to think of others before ourselves. It’s time to make an impact in the lives of others, and in doing so, we can draw others to Christ, for they will know us by our love. It’s time to stop being influenced by the world and start influencing it with the love of Christ.
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