Christianity is Not a Holiday Religion

Not a holiday religion

Today, December 25, the world will pause to remember, amidst the gifts, the greatest gift of all – Jesus Christ. He is what Paul called God’s unspeakable gift (2 Corinthians 9:15). I am always thankful when men are reminded of Jesus and what He means to humanity. At the same time, I am saddened to know that so much of the spirit of Christ will be forgotten when the season has passed. I know that is not what our Lord desires. His is not a holiday religion.

Aristides wrote of Christians (125 A.D.): “They walk in all humility and kindness, and falsehood is not found among them, and they love one another. They despise not the widow, and grieve not the orphan. He that hath, distributeth liberally to him that hath not. If they see a stranger, they bring him under their roof and rejoice over him as if he were their own brother: for they call themselves brethren, not after the flesh, but after the spirit of God: but when one of their poor passes away from the world, and any of them see him, then he provides for his burial according to his ability: and if they hear that any of their number is imprisoned or oppressed for the name of their Messiah, all of them provide for his needs, and if it is possible that he may be delivered, they deliver him. And if there is among them a man that is poor and needy, and they have not an abundance of necessaries, they fast two or three days that they may supply the needy with their necessary food.”

Has Jesus made an impact on you?

If Jesus has not made the kind of impact on our lives that causes us to be kind, considerate and caring the year round, He really hasn’t made an impact at all. Open your heart to the hurt of others. Be responsive to their needs. Give yourself. The love and compassion of Christ are as needed in July as they are in December. He cared; so must we!