Can you believe it's less than a month until Christmas Day? Christians all around the world celebrate this day recognizing the birth of their Saviour Jesus Christ. At The Salvation Army this year, we are using an Advent Series entitled "Seasoning the Season" (Mainstay Church Resources) to help us 'bring out the flavor of Christ in Christmas traditions' not only on Christmas Day, but during the Christmas Season.
We enjoy a Christmas meal. That may include roast turkey, dressing, cranberries, vegetables, potatoes, gravy, Christmas pudding or cake, coffee or tea. Is your mouth watering yet? If someone sprinkled pepper over each of these items it may not sound so appetizing though.
'The same thing can happen with this season. At its core is a baby who grew up to be the One who redeemed all the world. But sometimes he's hard to detect under all the other embellishments our culture adds to this time before Christmas. That's why greeting card sending, gift-giving, family gatherings, and other traditions leave a bad taste in so many people's mouths.
It doesn't have to be that way. The purpose of this Advent series is to help us make sure the flavor of Christ's presence stays prominent. By "seasoning" each of the following Christmas traditions according to principles from Scripture, we will keep Jesus as the main ingredient of our holiday. And then, as we look back over the season, we'll find it full of substance and savor.
Do our Christmas decorations whisk up anything more than sentimental memories and warm feelings? The ancient Hebrews had a box of special ornaments called the Ark of the Covenant. It contained items that regularly reminded people of the Lord's involvement in human history. Similarly, you can acknowledge the Christian origins of many of this season's trimmings and garnish your home intentionally to portray the true meaning of Christmas-God come to earth.
What is the theme of Christmas? "The Word became flesh." Through traditions of card sending, entertaining, and caroling, as well as encounters with folks in crowded shopping areas or neighborhood streets, your actions and words should pass along the peace and goodwill Jesus brought with his birth. As God spoke love by becoming a man, you can speak love to others when your words and life are "full of grace, seasoned with salt".
The apostle Paul had to remind the Corinthians to give of their money, time, and other resources, not from a feeling of obligation, but from their hearts. Giving becomes more appetizing when you remember God's indescribable gift, Jesus, who modeled a lifestyle of generosity and self-sacrifice. If you take that seriously, you'll give liberally and thankfully.
The letter to the Colossians contains a great recipe for the tradition of Christmas gatherings: Include compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, forbearance, and forgiveness. By putting these and other godly ingredients into the mix, your holiday get-togethers promise to be full of the sweetness of Christ.'
We attend Christmas services this season. 'Caught up in the carol singing, you can't help thinking, "How good God is, to send his Son to earth to save us!" It's easy to worship while you're in God's house-that's one reason many go to church at Christmastime. The psalmist, however, felt it was important to praise God not only in church but also in everyday activities. Try it! Make an effort to let everything you do glorify God, and you'll enjoy "God with us", the essence of Christmas, all year long.
As difficult as it may have been, Mary received God's gift with gratitude and grace when she said, "Let it be unto me according to his will." Likewise, if you accept every "gift" you encounter as something God intends or allows for your physical, mental, social or spiritual benefit, whatever you get for Christmas will be full of taste.
Lose 20 pounds; read the classics; secure a promotion-aren't these worthwhile New Year's resolutions? Perhaps. But others are more valuable: praising God all the time, becoming gentle, suppressing your worries and trusting God, meditating on what is good. Do those goals sound too big for you to tackle? The apostle Paul would say, "No, you can do it through Christ!" Christmas is more than a season; it's a lifestyle. And when you maintain a Christ-focus in your goals, activities, and choices, Christmas tops off a delicious year!'
During this Christmas season, may we all be caught "Seasoning the Season" in al we do and say. God bless you each one!
