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My Answer

Don't you think our society has lost sight of the true meaning of Christmas? Sometimes I wonder what Jesus would think if He walked through one of our malls around Christmas and saw all the decorations and everything, but nothing about His birth. — R.O'M.

I would have to agree with you; increasingly, our world has forgotten the true meaning of Christmas. Most people still know that it commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ over 2,000 years ago, but they don't take time to reflect on why that's important or what it should mean to us today.

Why is this? Why have we substituted the glitter and gadgets that fill our malls for the greatest gift the world has ever received - the gift of Jesus Christ? One reason is because our society has become more and more secular in the last half century or so, moving God to the edges of our lives and assuming we can live without Him.

In other words, instead of building our lives on the foundation of God's Word, we've substituted our own wisdom and our own way of doing things. This should cause us grief, because it means that all around us are people who (as the Bible says) are "without hope and without God in the world" (Ephesians 2:12).

Don't just lament this, however, or look down on those who don't understand the true meaning of Christmas. Instead, ask God to help you be a witness for Christ to those around you - both by your life and your words - especially during this time of the year when we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. On that first Christmas "The true light that gives light to every man was coming into the world" (John 1:9).

 

19 Comments

Mona says 1.6.2013, 00:01 a.m.

i pray very much for our country it is becoming so divided we need christ to give us a great healing.

Louise says 12.10.2012, 1:06 p.m.

We can not let the anybody take Jesus out of our lives and our hearts no matter what. He died for us because he loves us and we have got to show him we love him back.

Connie says 12.10.2012, 09:01 a.m.

My personal belief is that all is happening just as it was fortold. It will become even more difficult in this country and world to proclaim His birth. Are you ready Christian?

Larry says 12.8.2012, 7:16 p.m.

I agree with the article, we urgently need another "spiritual revival" accross the United States. The liocal pastors are limited in influence as cominbation of corporate america, main street media, public schools negate moral teaching.

Gaylan says 12.8.2012, 1:52 p.m.

We shouldn't equate America with the church and be shocked or judgmental when unbelievers don't act in Christ-like ways. It's not good witness to demand that people say Merry Christmas. Yet, Christians can witness by celebrating appropriately.

Monty says 12.8.2012, 11:26 a.m.

It's sad what has happened to our society over the past several years. Pushing God out for gift giving. Someday we will all regret what we have done in this life.

Mary Lou says 12.8.2012, 11:18 a.m.

Christmas is a good time to be Jesus with skin on to those around us that don't know Him yet. Think of the song "we're the only Jesus some will ever see"...

Linda says 12.7.2012, 4:33 p.m.

When you look at the word Christmas what do you see? Christ.........which is a Miracle that this tiny baby that was born in a manager many years ago and was sent here to save the world. Happy Birthday to the king of kings that loved us unconditonal.

TJ says 12.7.2012, 4:18 p.m.

For the last few years it has been on my heart - that we are to be separate from the world not capitulate. Presents at Christmas, chocolate eggs at Easter.

Delores says 12.7.2012, 4:03 p.m.

Sometimes it's Christians who seem to have lost sight of what Christmas is really all about. As Christians, we need to major on the true meaning of Christmas--not all the glitzy trappings that now surround this Holy Day.

pastor Richard says 12.7.2012, 3:40 p.m.

I don't know why people can not say Merry Christmas Christian persons need to say Happy Jesus day

Jess says 12.7.2012, 2:37 p.m.

Thanks for reminding everyone about why Christmas even exists. So many have turned Christmas into a gift giving frenzy....My prayers have been that our country turns away from secularism and returns to trusting God and honoring Him.

Melanie says 12.7.2012, 2:04 p.m.

You know sometimes it seems easy to get caught up in the rush. Yes- we truly know Christmas is about Jesus...but how many of us live it?My challenge....take ctime for God...He took time to DIE for you.

Carol says 12.7.2012, 2:04 p.m.

Celebrate...when you walk thru the mall..let the Love of Jesus shine forth...offer a helping hand...smile...praise God for each blessing you see...there are sooooo many...enjoy because I know that God celebrates with His children!

TERRY says 12.7.2012, 1:02 p.m.

I THINK IT'S SAD THE WAY THEY HAVE DEMORALIZED CHRISTMAS. WHEN I GET TO CHRISTMAS I GO TO MY ROOM AND CLOSE THE DOOR AND SILENTLY PRAY UNTIL I FALL ASLEEP. I SPEND THE NIGHT AND THE NEXT DAY WITH JESUS THANKING HIM CONTINUALLY FOR SAVING ME.

Mary says 12.7.2012, 12:35 a.m.

I am so happy that each year this message is repeated to remind others what Christmas stands for. Sometimes we tend to overlook the real reason for this Most Holy Season. Merry Christmas to all and God blessings to all!

DaveKehara says 12.7.2012, 11:31 a.m.

How true.. We've lost the true meaning but again, all is not lost. Starting in my own heart and life, declaring that the focus be CHRIST, I can share with family an friends the JOY of a daily walk, not with the babe in a manger but with the King

Christine says 12.7.2012, 11:06 a.m.

Very beautiful to see a great example for us all....sad to see how far we have strayed in this land. The ramifications of that are clearly evident all around us.

Catherine says 12.7.2012, 11:02 a.m.

This article is timely for me because my spirit has been troubled in what should be a joyous season, because everywhere I look, people are busy preparing their homes, meals and buying gifts for love ones, but it seems no one is preparing their heart

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