So Christmas is literally around the corner and I have to ask myself what am I celebrating? Is it about the gifts, Santa, and shopping.  Is it because I get a few days off of work (which I’m grateful for)? How about the great food, sweets, and hot chocolate? What about the celebrated Christmas movies that encourage you to believe in Christmas, forgo selfishness, and embrace the spirit of Christmas? What spirit is that again…the spirit of materialism, the spirit of tolerance, or the spirit of humanity? As Christians, the spirit we want activated in our lives is the Holy Spirit which teaches us all things and shows us how to love and how to give.  This last year I have written a book called Be the One, and it is my hope to see this concept stay active even at Christmas time.  Below I have written three ways that will help you be the one this Christmas.

1) Keep Christ as the main focus: I love Christmas and all that it entails…however if our Christian homes provide more information about elves, Santa, the Grinch, and songs about how Grandma got ran over by a reindeer then we will be in danger of reducing or replacing the real purpose of Christmas. None of these things are bad but isn’t this season about more than just fun stories? Is it not about the birth of our Lord and Savior?  Yes, I’m very aware that Jesus was not born on Dec 25^th (so no letters please), however right or wrong isn’t this the time we have set aside to honor his birth? If we’re not careful we could miss the birthday boy all together.  I’m not talking about having a reformation but I do think as Christians we have to be intentional about keeping the birth of Christ the most central part of Christmas.

2) Find someone to bless that can give you nothing in return. I don’t mind Santa and all the fun he brings. In fact, we have fun traditions including Santa at the Sexton house, but he can’t overshadow the birth of the savior of the world.  Saint Nick…the original…was a giver because of Christ and was imprisoned for his faith then later released. Let’s tell this part of Saint Nick….Let’s give gifts as a representation of what God gave to us…not because it is culturally accepted.  After all even Jesus said that heathens know how to give good gifts and be kind to the people they like.  This season really seek to be a giver! Give to those who in no way could pay you back. I remember one Christmas my mom (a single mom) was doing all she could to put food on the table and some woman at church had bought presents and put them in the trunk of her car.  As she opened her trunk there were a ton of presents and she let me pick whatever I wanted.  At that time in our lives I couldn’t pay her back and neither could my mom. It was just a blessing because God put it on that woman’s heart to do so. Trust me, when you become a giver your generosity and obedience will continue to speak long after the gift is given.

3) Communicate the reason you celebrate the season: As a Believer how are you communicating Christmas? Do you celebrate with a different mentality? For instance when you look at the symbols of Christmas do you see Christ. Such as: The Star: A heavenly sign of prophecy fulfilled long, long ago- The Color Red:, symbolizing the Savior’s redeeming blood  and sacrifice for all. The Evergreen Tree: – shows everlasting life. The needles point up to heaven. The Bell: Rings out to guide lost sheep back to the fold, signifying that all are precious in His eyes. The Candle: A mirror of starlight, reflecting our thanks for the star of Bethlehem. The Gift Bow: Tied as we should all be tied together in bonds of goodwill forever. The Candy Cane: Represents the shape of the shepherd’s crook, used to bring lost lambs back to the fold. The Wreath: A symbol of the eternal value of love that has no end.  There are so many ways to speak about the Christ child this Christmas my encouragement to you is to point him out because he is everywhere. Don’t allow Jesus to just get an honorable mention this season…this isn’t the VMA’s. This is CHRISTmas and it is the best time of the year.

My challenge to you is simple…Be the one this Christmas and don’t forget what this season is really all about. Merry Christmas!