‘Tis the season for the hysterical fearful to retreat into their separatist caves and worry about the secularization of the Christmas Season.
This isn’t a post about that. Sorry.
(Just one pet peeve – the “X” in Xmas is the Greek letter chi, and is the abbreviation for “Christ.” It has been since the first century. So everyone relax.)
OK. Now I’m done with that particular pet peeve.
So, here is what I would like to advise. Put Christ back into Christmas.
John wrote,
No one has beheld God at any time; if we love one another, God abides in us, and His love is perfected in us. (1Jo 4:12)
It is God’s will that Christ be seen in the world NOT by images, not in words only, not in traditionalism or icons, but in love.
No one has seen God. Not in a nativity scene, or a living Christmas tree, or in your very thoughtful rebuke of the poor Starbucks barista, but in love.
YOUR love, as a Christian, in particular. We love, because he first loved us.
So put Christ back into Christmas by your love.
Give a smile and an encouraging word. Look into the eyes of that image-bearer of God that is different than you are, and show her respect and dignity and honor, because Christ died for you.
Give a glass of cold water, clothe the naked, feed the hungry. Give a kind word, a timely prayer, a good tip, a thoughtful gift.
Put off your fear, your anger, your contempt. Quit fretting about your neighbor, and love them. Quit ranting about “Happy Holidays” and “Xmas” and trees and lights and malls and commerce, and rejoice.
Be cheerful, be happy – for God now accepts your works. Be at peace, for nothing can take you from his hands.
Look at the beauty of the lights and the joy of the trees and snow. (Or fake snow, for Northern California people).
When you come to a work party or a family dinner, does everyone say, “Ugh. That guy”? Or do they rejoice, because you are coming?
Help people walk a little taller. Bear a burden. Be kind. Be the kind of person that people want to be around. Be generous.
Put Christ back into YOUR Christmas. Love one another fervently, for God is love.
My Only Comfort 
It’s all a bit ridiculous.
Thanks for that simple word. Love peoole even when you are in long line ups!
Was thinking what verse would be in my Christmas letter/cards? “we love because He first loved us!” I can love because I am loved…. remembering the game that was like (I got it first, no I got it first!) He loved me first!! God help me love… you said it well…
Timely reminder, especially this year.
I am very grateful for His love.