"Why Not Use Christmas To Our Advantage?"
December 07, 2023 | By Chuck
I know we’re not sure about the exact date of Jesus’ birth. Scripture doesn’t tell us that, but it does confirm He was born from a miraculous birth of a virgin. Jesus had to be born so He could die on the cross for us, and we all should be thankful for that. So, His death for my sins makes me incredibly grateful for His birth, whenever it was. I am thankful there is a date designated to celebrate the birth of Christ. I don’t see how that is a negative thing at all.
For the month of December, much of the world is thinking about the birth of Jesus as God’s Son. Why would this be offensive to the church? Why would Christians feel the need to correct anyone’s theology on the exact date of Jesus’ birth? Why doesn’t the church use Christmas to her advantage? Remember the incredible assignment God gave the church. “And Jesus came and said to them, All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:18-20).
What does the Great Commission have to do with using Christmas to our advantage? It’s really simple. People are already thinking about Jesus’ birth this time of year, so why not tell them about His death, burial, and resurrection too? Since Jesus seems to be the topic of the month, why not take this opportunity to teach even more about the Savior? We’ve all missed opportunities at times, but the church needs to view the Christmas season as a chance to spread the gospel and seize the opportunity. I’m not concerned about the actual date of Jesus’ birth. But I am very concerned about the church fulfilling the Great Commission, so why not use Christmas to our advantage?