We must remember that the Christian faith and Christmas have very little to do with the number of brightly lit lights, beautifully decorated trees, sacred signage, or singing carolers. It has everything to do with representing Jesus Christ in the world where we live. A government might legislate what banners or symbols are displayed on a piece of property, and activist groups may picket and force some “seasonal” traditions to be shut down or silenced, but NO ONE may extinguish the light of life and joy of Christ that lives within us!

It is required of you to be a light to the world not just for a few weeks in December but throughout the year. There is no government on the planet that is capable of legislating your relationship with God, and though the nativity scene may no longer be displayed in some places, it is impossible to quench the Spirit of God as He directs you to love your neighbor...and those who will spitefully use you and say all manner of evil against you. If the roots of our faith reach no deeper than those few days of Christmas tradition or is not visible to those around us 365 days a year, 24/7, then do we really have a faith? They will know that we are Christian by our love, not by our decorations.

I would love to see all those around me embrace the traditional symbols of Christmas and celebrate with me the meaning, joy, and peace I have come to experience in Christ, but that will never happen for the simple reason that Jesus is still not understood, respected, or loved by the huge majority of those in this present age. If even those within our churches fail to honor Jesus Christ in their daily lives, why should we ever expect those outside the church who are without a Shepherd to respond any different than the suffering and struggling mobs of unChristian masses did when Jesus walked the earth?

Unless they hear they cannot believe, and unless you tell them they cannot hear. If someone this Christmas tries to turn off your lights, take down your tree, block your parade, or remove your stable, think first of Jesus. He would reach out to the hater and love him with all of His heart. May you be a Merry Christmas to those around you.