Tis the season to be offended…?

           Christmas season is on us. And yes, I know I am talking about Christmas even before Thanksgiving. Each year I hear people gripe and complain about how early Christmas decorations are displayed in the stores. About how early some radio stations start their Christmas music. And unfortunately I have been one of those people.

Why should Christians be upset that the world seems a bit anxious to celebrate Christmas? Shouldn’t we be promoting that? Encouraging it? Sure, many people are just looking at the celebration with family and receiving of gifts (as well as time off work). But so what! What an opportunity to share about the real celebration with Christ. What a time to proclaim being in the family of God. What better time to tell others about the ultimate gift we have received!

Then there are those who say they are offended at this time. From both sides of the fence. “I don’t believe in Jesus, so I say “Happy Holidays”, or “Christmas is rooted in a pagan holiday, so Christians shouldn’t celebrate it!”

If someone tells a Christian they don’t celebrate Christmas because they don’t believe in Jesus, what an opportunity to show them LOVE. Not resentment. Not bitterness. What if instead of complaining about a sinful world continuing to reject Jesus (like Jesus said they would do) we said something like this, “I don’t mean to offend, but I just can’t help telling people about what I know and have experienced after coming to Christ. I do hope you have a great holiday, but I will pray that this year, you might see a glimpse of the meaning of it. And see that it is empty without Jesus.” And with that, smile, and pray for that person.

I don’t believe the shepherds were offended about the news of Jesus’ birth? And neither were those that the shepherd told.

Luke 2:15-18 NIV When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” ¹⁶ So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger.¹⁷ When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child,¹⁸ and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.

Instead, the people were amazed at what the shepherd said. They were amazed because the shepherds were joyful. They were excited. Are we as Christians today, excited and joyful to tell others about Jesus? Are people amazed at what we say?

This world is so full of darkness, and Jesus has called us to be His light.

Matthew 5:14-16 NLT “You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. ¹⁵ No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house.¹⁶ In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.

So with this, I started listening to Christmas music yesterday. I am getting into the Christmas spirit early, and looking at making sure I keep it all year long. No more grinching. No more complaining about early decorations. No more being offended when someone says they don’t believe in Christmas. No more bitter words coming out of our mouths.

Ephesians 4:29 NIV Do not let any unwholesome (negative, bitter, complaining) talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.

So it is with a smile on my face, (and I really am smiling as I type this) I no proclaim to you this thought, MERRY CHRISTMAS. And may the joy of Christmas enrich not just December, but your thanksgiving meal; and the rest of your life.