This Christmas

What is the most important Christmas ever?

Certainly, we could make the case that the first Christmas was the most important. And it would be a strong case. But none of us were there for that Christmas.

If you tune in to popular Christmas themes, a few candidates pop up:

the White Christmas (or Blue)

Last Christmas

Christmas with you (or without you)

the Christmas in the City

The Christmas in the country where horses can run

Christmas in Whoville

I’m sure we could all point to a particular Christmas that seemed somehow more significant than others. There are always presents or experiences that make some days stand out.

But I think the most important Christmas is the present Christmas. Not exclusively today, but each Christmas when it is present. It is far more important than any Christmas in the past or any Christmas in the future.

We get a hint of the why in Romans 14:5 and the verses that follow it.

I am aware that in this context, Paul is not talking about Christmas but is addressing people who were disputing the observance of Jewish sabbaths and dietary rules. But the principle he used to settle the disputes (by basically not settling them) is important for us.

Here is the principle so we don’t miss it: God is honored when we honor God.

Romans 14:5–8 NKJV

5 One person esteems one day above another; another esteems every day alike. Let each be fully convinced in his own mind. 6 He who observes the day, observes it to the Lord; and he who does not observe the day, to the Lord he does not observe it. He who eats, eats to the Lord, for he gives God thanks; and he who does not eat, to the Lord he does not eat, and gives God thanks. 7 For none of us lives to himself, and no one dies to himself. 8 For if we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. Therefore, whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s.

Fully Convinced - “fully convinced” means to be fully assured because you have fully considered or thought about it. Whatever day we celebrate or how we celebrate it should be a matter of prayerful consideration.

Fully Committed - “observe” carries the idea of thoughtfully carrying out what you have thoughtfully decided. Be all in, not just checking off boxes

Fully Consecrated - “to the Lord” ultimately, our observance is to honor God. Remember though, that God wants us to enjoy life and have good personal and familial relationships, so there are a lot of things that we do that indirectly honor God too. But we should always be aware that our actions, attitudes should honor God.

God is honored when we honor God. And if our attempts to honor God differ, or even completely disagree, God is honored because we are honoring Him through our actions and attitudes.

So this Christmas is the most important Christmas ever because it in the Christmas present that we have the ability and opportunity to honor God through our celebrations.