Friday, November 27

‘Tis the shopping season! If you drove along Randall Road late last night, you would see lines of eager shoppers forming outside of popular electronic stores hoping to snatch the best Black Friday deals. The Thanksgiving turkey is barely digested before people run out the doors to shop, reminding us that Christmas is almost here!

For many little children in our culture, this means a growing anticipation and excitement. For many adults, this brings a sense of panic about all of the shopping and wrapping and mailing that awaits. For still others, the fact that Christmas is just four weeks away brings a sense of relief that the craziness will soon be over for another year. But for those of us who call ourselves Christians, for those of us who are followers of Jesus Christ, how are we to respond to the approach the season of Christmas?

What is the right Christian response to Christmas? What should characterize the way we observe this holiday? Is it the spirit of giving? An emphasis on peace and goodwill toward men? Joy and mirth? (I know I could have just said happiness, but I like the sound of the word mirth.) All of these responses are good, but they are not necessarily unique to Christians. Of course, not everyone in our culture stops to reflect on the importance of peace, joy, and generosity at Christmas time, but some folks do. What is the truly Christian response to Christmas?

This Sunday, we will begin our new Advent series titled “Witnesses”. This unique series will be delivered as monologues from four key people in the story of Jesus’ birth. Through this series, we will be examine how each character responded to Jesus’ birth, and then be challenged to consider our own response to the news of Christ’s arrival. You see, I think the truly Christian element of Christmas, and the missing element of the Christmas celebrations in our culture is worship. This was the distinguishing mark of everyone who first encountered the Christ child.

The angels worshiped – “And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!’” - Luke 2:13-14

The shepherds worshiped – “And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.” - Luke 2:20

The Magi worshiped – “And going into the house they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh.”  - Matthew 2:11

Mary worshiped – “And Mary said, ‘My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.’” – Luke 1:46-47

Zechariah worshiped – “And his father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied, saying, ‘Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for he has visited and redeemed his people.’” - Luke 1:67-68

Simeon worshiped – “He took him up in his arms and blessed God and said, ‘Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation.’”  - Luke 2:28-30

There is nothing wrong with putting up decorations, wrapping presents, hanging lights, exchanging gifts, and singing “Jingle Bells” at Christmas time. But apart from worship, all of these things are utterly empty and inadequate responses to the reality of our Savior’s birth! The first priority in all of our celebrating should be worship; everything else should flow out of our hearts of adoration and praise to Jesus. Worship is not merely going to religious ceremonies, or singing religious Christmas carols; it is an attitude of the heart.

Perhaps there is no better way to carry the gratitude in our hearts from Thanksgiving into the Christmas season than to continue in a heart attitude of worship. This Christmas, let us all resolve not to let the cultural consumer monstrosity of this season rob us of our ability to worship Jesus.  

Let’s worship like the shepherds who dropped everything to attend to Christ’s birth.

Let’s worship like the Magi who gave extravagant gifts to the King.

Let’s worship like Mary who treasured and pondered the glory of Christ.

Let’s worship like Simeon who blessed God for giving the world a Savior.

In the words of the hymn we sing this time each year, oh come let us adore Him!

Jeff Frazier