Feliz Navidad! The Spanish greeting for Christmas means "Happy Day of the Birth". When we’re in Ecuador, we hear and see "Feliz Navidad" everywhere during December. Does that mean that the people know Christ and celebrate the true meaning of Christmas? In the holiday season, we often see intoxicated men staggering down the street or lying senseless on the side of the road. Family violence increases. Daily, people march in Christmas parades that claim to honor Christ. Someone in the procession will carry an image of the Christ Child while others carry flowers or bottles of whisky. The image of the child is followed by a witch doctor and a man in a costume representing a spirit of the mountains. Although they cheerfully greet each other with "Feliz Navidad", is Christ in their Christmas?
In my home country, many Christians are concerned that Christ is being taken out of Christmas. I personally know Jesus Christ, and no one can take Christ out of my Christmas. As we have seen in Ecuador, if someone does not know Jesus, then saying "Feliz Navidad" or "Merry Christmas" will not make Christ a part of his holiday. The only way that a person can celebrate the true meaning of Christmas is to know Christ and what He did on the cross. If we as believers want others to truly celebrate Christmas, then we have to introduce them to Jesus. When they understand why He came to earth and experience His love and forgiveness, they will have Christ in their Christmas! Instead of being offended when someone fails to wish us a Merry Christmas, let's tell them about Jesus and give them a reason to say it from the heart.
How then shall they call upon Him in whom they have not believed?
And how shall they believe in Him whom they have not heard?
And how shall they hear without a preacher?
Romans 10:14(NASB)
1 comment:
Amen, sister!
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