Christmas is coming.
Time to pull out the tinsel and the shiny red and silver balls. Time to put out the blinking Christmas lights, and to pick out the nicest tree. Time to put on the Christmas caroling songs, and drink Eggnog. Time to shop for presents, and for children to send in their lists to Santa Claus.
Christmas in our society is known and celebrated for its presents and singing, and of course the big man in red. Every year, this holiday comes and goes, as just another holiday.
We have forgotten.
How many times have you truly celebrated the birth of Christ as a baby? How many times did you take it past just reading the Christmas Story? How many times have you given thanks other than on Thanksgiving Day? Or celebrated Christ rising from the dead other than on Easter? Do we subject ourselves by simply going through the motions of things only at the appropriate moment?
We have forgotten.
So as the holidays approach, take care to remember why we even have all of our holidays in the first place. Don't let society's traditions take control; don't let fakery be the norm.
As Christians, this is especially important. Too often we take the label of 'Christian', and apply it with pride, believing it to give us a high position of honor over the rest of the world. But being a 'Christian' is much more than just a name.
Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because he who has suffered in his body is done with sin. As a result, he does not live the rest of his earthly life for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God. For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do—living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry. They think it strange that you do not plunge with them into the same flood of dissipation, and they heap abuse on you. But they will have to give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. For this is the reason the gospel was preached even to those who are now dead, so that they might be judged according to men in regard to the body, but live according to God in regard to the spirit. 1 Peter 4:1-6
Christian has 'Christ' in it, so it only makes sense when in applying the full name to ourselves, to apply 'Christ' on its own as well. Or here is another way to look at it. Break it down. 'Christ-ian'. 'Christ- in'. 'Christ in me'. 'Christian'. When Christ is in you, you ought to reflect Him throughout your very being. And remember Christ is in you for a reason. It's not just traditional He is in you when you become a Christian. No, it is much more than that. But it's for us to discover, and to do that is to develop the personal relationship with Christ so that it becomes real within you. Then you too will wonder how society has become lost in its fakery. And once you know the real truth, will you take a stand to show the rest of the world their despair?
However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. For it is time for judgment to begin with the family of God; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God? 1 Peter 4:16-17
If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus. 1 Peter 4:11b
Be strong. Find out for yourself what being a Christian really means. Keep it real.
...Do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear [the] name [of Christian].*
Whitney
