‘Tis the season to be jolly…but about what?

Christmas (in theory, anyway) is supposed to make us happy. The songs have happy tunes, whether Christian ones or just ones about snowmen. Bright lights and calls for goodwill to all are everywhere.

(A lot of it is aspirational rather than reality, of course. I don’t get filled with happiness wandering through a large shopping centre in December. And ask any retail worker what they think of the constant stream of grumpy shoppers and the endless Mariah Carey music in the background!)

We are supposed to be jolly. And sometimes we are at this time of year. Many have family gatherings, or perhaps reunions from family members who have been away from home. There is good food to be had. Many have holidays from work. There is sport on television. There seems to be so many reasons to be happy!

It is good to celebrate the good gifts God gives to us. We should not feel guilty about enjoying nice food and some time off and time with family. What a gracious God we have! Yet let’s make sure we’re celebrating the right thing. Christmas is about Jesus Christ. I know that gets lost in the busyness, even for Christian people. Yet Jesus truly is the reason for the season.

How do we keep Jesus in the centre? Here are some ideas:

• Go to church at Christmas. I know that’s not a radical idea, but I know even a lot of Christians who don’t. Family comes first, and if there is time, then church. That seems the wrong way around, doesn’t it? There are few things more uplifting than meeting with God’s people to celebrate the birth of Jesus. And you may well have opportunities to speak to those who are not Christian at these services too.
• Pray before each meal, and often. We need to stop, even if it is only briefly, to remember God is the boss. Prayer is such a gift.
• Make an effort to bring Jesus into your conversations. Tell your coworkers you are going to church at Christmas. Talk to your children about Jesus. If all we talk about are other things, of course Jesus will be pushed out.

Have a wonderful Christmas celebrating our Lord Jesus!