Christmas Is Not Your Birthday

Once again, the Church continues to challenge the way we live during December. The Church says, “Christmas is not your birthday. Celebrate your birthday when it is your birthday. Celebrate Jesus’ birthday on Christmas.” Shopping and spending money on stuff does not celebrate Jesus’ birthday. Jesus said he came to bring good news to the poor, to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free (Luke 4:18). Jesus did not come so some of the wealthiest people in the world (that is us) could have more stuff.

Christmas is a wonderful time of year. Still, it is not about consumption but compassion. It is not about presents but presence. It is a time to be generous. Therefore, I want to challenge us all to celebrate Jesus’ birth by giving to mission with our money (and our time and service, too!). The Missions Committee has identified Heifer International as a mission emphasis for our entire congregation to support. You can read more about Heifer here. Salem has a wonderful heart for mission.

This could be hardest for those of us with younger children or grandchildren. In my own family we have been talking about this for a couple of years. It is essential that we form our children as Christians. That does not mean we cannot decorate or share presents or celebrate all the goodness of Christmas. It does mean we have to struggle constantly against the ways our children are formed in the world. This will not happen easily or quickly. I am challenging us to give at least an equal amount to mission. Even buying one less present, though, and giving the money to those in need is a good start. If you have any questions about how to go about this, please do not hesitate to contact me. May we live in such a way that our lives proclaim, “Happy Birthday, Jesus!”

Comments

  1. Rachel BardwellNovember 30, 2010 at 1:36 PM

    Thank you John, this is exactly what I needed to hear. I hope you don't mind but I mentioned this post on my blog too :)

    ReplyDelete
  2. Rachel's momDecember 4, 2010 at 5:58 PM

    Thank you again John. We all need to hear this. We all know it, but are not reminded of that in the WalMart, Gordmans, etc. ads. God must sadly shake his head at us at times. Added to my Christmas list this past week was the sponsorship of a little girl in Africa. I'm trying! Thank you for sharing the words we need to hear. Rejoicing in His birth!

    ReplyDelete

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