Keeping Christ in Christmas

Being back in the US this year for the Christmas season, I've begun to be a little confused about the so-called Christmas wars and the battle to keep Christ in Christmas. As I listen to people talk, as I read Christian blogs and news sources, even as I listen to Christian radio, one question keeps coming to mind: Are people trying to keep Christ in Christmas, or are they trying to keep our beautiful traditions and memories in Christmas?

Where we live there is no cultural celebration of Christmas. There are trees and lights, and Grandfather Frost, but those are all New Year traditions. Christmas is a holiday that is only celebrated by professing Christians. Our Muslim neighbors understand that unless they acknowledge Christ as the Word made flesh, they don't--they can't--celebrate Christmas rather than a Winter Holiday. How ironic that they grasp the real meaning of Christmas with such clarity!

If you're saddened by the fact that cashiers say "Happy Holidays", or that your child's school is observing a winter festival, or that the municipality has erected a holiday tree, take a moment and remind yourself that only Christians can genuinely celebrate Christ's first coming and look forward to His second coming. Then, instead of getting involved in a campaign to "keep Christ in Christmas", get involved in activities that will bring people to know Christ as Lord and Savior. Make it your goal to keep Christmas in Christ.