Guidelines for keeping Christ in Christmas

A recent survey by the Public Religion Research Institute had some discouraging numbers for those who want Christ to actually be emphasized in His namesake holiday—Christmas.

Religion News Service reports that “for one in four American adults (26 percent), Dec. 25 is simply a cultural holiday, not a religious holy day.” The numbers, researchers conclude, indicate a “shift toward a more secular Christmas.” Not surprising, as Christians have been fighting the “Reason for the Season” battle for years.

TAKE time to be alone and ponder your relationship with Christ.

READ the story of Jesus’ birth and note how people responded—Mary, Joseph, the shepherds, Simeon and Anna.

PRAISE God at Christmas. Follow the example of Jesus whose heart was filled with compassion for those who were suffering.

KEEP your TO DO list as short as possible. Limit your social obligations so there is time for reflection.

USE cash when you buy gifts to avoid holiday debt. Invite your relatives to support a mission cause instead of giving you a gift.

TELL others about the Savior. Find opportunities to give a tract or a Bible.

REMEMBER Christ’s church around the world. Some of these churches are enduring great hardship.

LIVE like Christ in this season. Be compassionate. Be forgiving (especially in mall parking lots and with harassed sales staff). Be sensitive to the people with whom you work and play.

BE JOYFUL at Christmas! You are celebrating the greatest event in the history of the world—the arrive of God in human form.