I don't celebrate Christmas as Christ's birth. There I said it, there's my confession for the day. I honestly always feel bad when I say this because I think people think of me as 'less' religious, but if you know me I don't do things to 'go with the flow'.
My family never has celebrated Christmas as the birth of Christ and I always knew why, because the Bible doesn't say the day He was born and that's okay. But that's not what this post is about. It's not to argue why I don't celebrate it, it's to explain why I think it's an amazing time to share the gospel.
As I've gotten older I have seen the amazing opportunity that this time of year gives us who are trying to reach others all year round, but their hearts just aren't open. Well, guess what, their hearts are more prone to being open for Jesus around this time of year and I think a lot of us miss this great opportunity by making sure others know we don't think Jesus was born on Christmas day.
I've heard people talk to strangers about Christmas while out at store or at the mall, but when Christ is mentioned they always go straight to 'well I don't believe He was born on Christmas.' The door was open, the harvest was white, but we shut everything down because we inserted our personal agenda of making sure they know you don't celebrate Christmas for that reason. Does it really matter?? Can you bring that little tidbit of info in after you've had a great conversation about Christ? After all they brought Him up, whether it was about His 'birthday' or not isn't relevant. Start telling them how big of a blessing He is to you each and every day of the year. Tell them that you're so grateful that His love covers a multitude of your shortcomings. Show them how excited you are about Jesus instead of trying to defend yourself straight away. There will be time for that later. Your job is just to bring them to Jesus, teach them more about His life, and more importantly about His resurrection into new life.
I understand we all want to defend ourselves and some might even think they're defending Christ, but I think He would be happier if you were able to lead someone to His fullness instead of just His birth because you didn't put a huge stop sign up at the beginning of your conversation.
"I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields. They are ripe for harvest." John 4:35b
Let's take this blessed time of year when people's hearts are more prone to talk about Jesus to actually talk about Him while they're ready. Don't let a silly roadblock get in your way.
Ashley
P.S.- If you're wondering why I don't celebrate Christmas for Christ's birth I'll be glad to give you my reasons, it just wasn't my main point in this article. :)
