Matthew 2:1-10, “Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him. When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born. And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet, And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel. Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also. When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.”

If we are going to celebrate Christmas – and we should – how should we do it? We should celebrate the holiday honestly. Here is what I mean. You may what to sit down for this, and you should definitely keep an open mind as you consider what follows. If Christmas cannot be enjoyed unless there is exchanging gifts, decorating trees, attending concerts and plays, and traveling (or demanding that someone else travel) all across the state, country, or globe just to be together on the 25th of December, then Christmas is not being honestly (and by that I mean biblically) celebrated. 

Now, before I am labeled as the ultimate Grinch, let it be known that the giving of gifts, the decorating of trees, and the assembling of families, even over great distances, are all truly wonderful traditions which I thoroughly enjoy and practice. BUT if my Christmas celebration depends on any or all of the above, then I need a new strategy. 

Honestly, it is easy for Christians to combine the celebration of their Savior’s birth with an entire season of consumerism, commercialism, and just plain busyness. Christmas is often one of the most hectic, craziest periods of the year, with families running in all different directions to make it to every concert, cantata, office party, and so on, that many people feel relieved when the 26th comes around. This ought not to be. Celebrate the Savior’s birth honestly and joyfully!