Actively Proclaiming Christ

 

Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ. Colossians 1:28

As many friends as I have is how many different ways I see Christmas recognized and celebrated- or not. The more liberal are living in their freedom, those who refuse to observe it can back up their decision with plenty of well thought-out arguments. Even without a tree and lights most seem to get into the gift giving. We have friends who give only three gifts per child, following the Wise men who took gifts to Jesus and others who seem to have unlimited resources and willingness to give whatever they can.

Today I read Colossians 1:28 (above) and wondered how we proclaim the name of Christ in the way we celebrate Christmas. We love to say, “Preach the gospel, if necessary, use words.” I don’t love the quote but I do think there is some truth in the thinking that we cannot share the gospel and not live  like a Christian. Our actions may lead us to the opportunity to “proclaim” Christ with words.

So, do our Christmas celebrations, attitudes, and gifts point people to or away from Christ Himself?

These are not in any particular order but they are things I know I need to examine in my life. Concentrating on the people we encounter at Christmas:

1. Our own children. What child needs a God to provide for them if they never lack anything? Parents who are over-indulging their children in stuff may be pointing to themselves rather than to Christ. Grandparents who give too much may be taking the parental role from their own children and undermining the God-given authority of parents over their children. How big is that pile of gifts? Are our kids attracted to the Christ of our Christmas – or to our wallets?

2. Those we work with. What are the words we use at work to talk about Christmas? What about our actions? Are our worldly complaints about how taxing the season is or the availability of the current toy craze toy for our children, or the lack of a “Christmas bonus” from our stingy bosses, sounding like the rest of the world? Does anyone see the Light of Christ or the joy of the season in us? If we don’t show them we have something that is different – and better – than life without Him – why would they be attracted to the Christ of our Christmas?

3. That poor seasonal store clerk who only knows a little more about what the store has than we do. If you and I angrily raise our voices at her for a while because she isn’t doing it fast enough, or doesn’t have what we want, and then give her a half-hearted “Merry Christmas” – thereby proving our Christianity because we did not say “Happy Holidays” – is she attracted to the Christ of our Christmas?

4. Husbands and/or parents. I think it is telling that Matthew 5:15 says, “Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house.” Our lights are to shine in our own homes. At Christmas it seems like we get involved in so many things that home is the last place that sees our light. Are our husbands or close family members attracted to the Christ of our Christmas – or can they not wait for the whole Christmas season to be over with so they can have you back?

We proclaim Christ in our actions. Sometimes we have to use words. The two need to be saying the same thing.

How will you and I go into the world and proclaim Christ’s birth as a real reason to celebrate?