Don't Let Christmas Cripple You: Part One

      Despite the fact that modern mainstream religion mistakenly makes Christmas a religiously significant holiday, the “most wonderful time of the year” can actually be very debilitating to our Christianity. Examine one way in which Christmas can hinder our service to God.

      Christmas can cripple our commitment to Christ. Matthew 6:33 says we must seek first God’s kingdom and righteousness. However the trappings of Christmas celebration can severely hinder our commitment to Christ and His people.

      Consider two very important attacks on our Christian commitment during this time of year—attacks on our time and on our money.

      Perhaps another Christmas carol should be written to more accurately describe this holiday: “It’s the most busiest time of the year.” I know that doesn’t have the same happy ring to it, but it is more truthful.

      We have extra cooking, extra company, work gatherings, church gatherings, kids Christmas plays and concerts, visiting family, traveling, shopping and so much more. In December, we barely have time to turn around.

      With this hectic pace, we may procrastinate in prayer and delay Bible study. We certainly do not have time to teach others the gospel, which is regrettable since this is one time of year when most people are receptive. Some do not even have time to assemble with the saints. We must make the most of our time in December as with the rest of the year (Ephesians 5:16). Do not let Christmas cripple your time commitment to the Lord.

      The second attack is on our money. Because of the expenditures which accompany American Christmas celebration, many Christians turn their wallets away from Christ. They have so overspent on gifts and food that they have to cut back somewhere. Sadly, because creditors call us expecting money and elders don’t, contribution is one of the first things to go. Sometimes it is not just December’s contribution, but the whole year’s. For those who take out Christmas loans, their next year’s contribution is taken up making monthly payments on last year’s Christmas.

      There is nothing wrong with spending a little extra on presents and food during this time of year. But we are still to be good stewards of God’s blessings, managing them wisely to God’s glory even in December (Luke 16:11).

      I Corinthians 9:27 is great advice during this time of year. We need to buffet our bodies daily, bringing them into subjection. That is, we must constantly remind ourselves of our commitment to Christ and not allow anything, not even Christmas, to cripple that commitment. Don’t let Christmas cripple your Christianity.

Edwin L. Crozier