Mention the word Christmas and it will bring many different thoughts to different people. Most will think of family, where they will gather around a table and share a meal. Then they will gather around a tree and open a gift from one another. Some will think of snow and trips where they get away from the stress of their everyday life. For many, it is nothing more than a holiday to have fun and celebrate all the “things” they have acquired. Oh, if you ask what Christmas is, especially in my circle of relationships, all will say it is the celebration of the birth of Christ. Good answer? Of course, he’s where this celebrated holiday gets its name, but is that really what it is to us? Now that it is over let’s reflect.
When I was growing up, there was a phrase my mom would say when I said one thing, yet, did another. Her phrase was, “your actions are speaking louder than your words.” All throughout the New Testament, there are verses that teach us that what we really are on the inside will show up on the outside. In Matthew 7:20, Jesus teaches that we will know a tree by its fruit. There are many fruit trees that appear the same in size, leaf structure, and bark. Unless you are a student of identifying trees, you wouldn’t know the difference until the fruit appears. You may get fooled for most of the year, but when the fruit appears there is no doubt. The action of the tree proved what it is.
Matthew 7:20 “Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.”
John talks to Christians about saying one thing and doing another. We are not to merely say we love one another, we are to show our love for one another. Words are cheap, but our actions prove what is real. When we love with a pure heart, our actions and words will match.
I John 3:18 “My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.”
I Peter 1:22 “Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently:”
James makes it very clear that what we say means nothing if we don’t back it up with actions.
James 2:14-17 “What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man says he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him? If a brother or sister be naked and destitute of daily food, And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit? Even so, faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.”
With these thoughts in mind, what are your actions saying about what you believe about Christmas? The holiday of Christmas is over, so it is a good time to reflect on what your actions said during this sacred time. It is a good time to get alone with the Lord and write down all the activities and what they meant to you. Were you more excited about gift-giving and seeing family and friends, than you were about spending time with Jesus? Did you thank Him for coming to this earth to provide a way to escape Hell?
I remember a few years ago when Christmas was on Sunday. Many missed attending church to cook for the family. They stayed home to open gifts, watch the kids play with their toys, and enjoy the morning. You can give every excuse in the book as to why you didn’t attend a church that morning, but your actions spoke for you. The reality was you cared more about family, friends, and traditions than you did about worshiping the one this holiday is named after.
While there is nothing wrong with enjoying many traditions during this season, there is much wrong with allowing our traditions to take center stage in our lives. Don’t say Christ is preeminent in your life if everything doesn’t revolve around Him and your relationship with Him. How do I show this preeminence of Christ? First, I must accept Him as my personal Lord and Master. Laying all my life at His feet, and following His will for my life. Second, when He is first, my outlook and actions will show where my heart resides. My first reaction to planning out my day’s activities will start with Christ. Third, don’t allow others to force you into their mold. Allow the word of God to mold you, and you will be surprised at how it will challenge others to do the same. Fourth, live every day with Christ first, and it will not be hard to keep things in perspective next Christmas.
