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“How Should we Celebrate
Christmas” is a common question amongst Christians. Here are a few
considerations. Most Christians do not want to celebrate Christmas
the old “traditional pagan way” of expensive Christmas Trees,
Expensive Christmas Decorations, Drinking Parties, Over Eating and
Over Spending (especially on unnecessary and “self focused” gifts
that people do not even like, need, want nor use). So here are some
more simple examples for consideration, simple suggestions that are
more affordable and conservative in nature, and in meaning:
(1) Manger Scenes:
Instead of Christmas Trees, a pagan ritual that mocks the death of
Jesus on a cross/tree.
(2) Evangelistic “Birthday” Cards that Celebrate the Birth of
Jesus:
Instead of cards that promote Christmas “cheer”, parties, humor,
cartoons, snowmen, rain deer or santa/satan.
(3) Candle Lightings with Prayers:
Instead of Christmas Lights, persecuted Christians in foreign
countries are forced to make those lights. Candles are dangerous,
but they do promote the Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh concept, and
placing candles inside glass or crystal containers or bowls can make
them much safer. “Candles Pebbles” are more conservative than hard
candles.
(4) Gifts that help continue the Proclamation of the Gospel:
The Gold, Frankincense & Myrrh concept. Gold was given to Joseph,
Mary and Jesus for provisions for the “Ministry of the Proclamation
of the Gospel”, our gifts should be for that same purpose, instead
of for “celebrating self/sin”, as though the “Birthday Party” were
for us. As for gifts to the poor and needy; yes, but always, all
throughout the year, “for the poor are with us always”, not just at
Christmas Time. If gift wrapping is something you enjoy doing,
consider volunteering your church to do free “gift wrap” at local
stores.
(5) Coffee, Tea, Cider or Wine and Desert or Bread Evangelistic
Socials:
For “communion” purposes, instead of Christmas “Parties” with over
drinking, over eating and no prayer time. This is a wonderful time
to take Praise & Prayer Requests from Friends and Family Members to
“The Throne of God” in Group Prayer Time.
Homes can be simply decorated with manger scenes, cards, candles,
gifts, crystal and china, sitting around “at random”, to help stir
up the “Holy Spirit” and bring forth “The Revelation of Jesus
Christ” to the hearts and minds of those present, in a “Prayerful”
not “party” Environment.
Prayerfully consider spreading these Conservative Christmas
Celebration Suggestions to others, setting an example for them to
follow “into the Kingdom of God”.
Since Christmas is a time to celebrate the Birth of Jesus, try to
carry on each month with the above “Prayerful Environment” in order
to celebrate the Birth of Friends and Family members (as well as our
Savior) all throughout the year. With the goal being Monthly Socials
in your home. This helps us to practice being good stewards of our
homes and food at least once a month by cleaning-up our homes and
cleaning-out our “pantries” at least once a month. A good practice
is to cook a large meal once a month (turkey, ham, roast, fish…) and
to eat leftovers for a week and smaller meals throughout the rest of
the month such as pastas, beans, stews, soups, salads, baked
potatoes and sandwiches. Each week is a good time to clean out the
refrigerator and pantry. It is amazing how much food we waste. There
is often food available that we can “recycle”, donate to others or
donate to local food banks. (Same holds true for clothes
management).
As you “ponder these things”, where do
you find yourself?
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Which stage of development are you
willing to progress forward into?
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Prayer: May God Bless You and Inspire You to make
the right choices in terms of Evangelism and Hospitality, To God Be
The Glory, In Jesus Name, Amen.
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