When I mention Andy Williams’ “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year,” do you find yourself humming along? If you do, you already value Christmas!
Truly, no other time of the year compares to Christmas. For example, you’ve probably heard the story of the “Christmas Truce” during World War 1. On December 24, 1914, a spontaneous truce broke out all along both the Western Front, and, to a smaller extent, the Eastern Front. In this conflict where an estimated 22 million military personnel were killed, the French, German, and British forces stopped fighting for a few hours to celebrate Christmas. [1]
Say what you will, but there is just no other holiday like Christmas.
Value the Opportunities of Christmas. According to a 2017 Pew study, 90% of Americans celebrate Christmas, [2] and a 2019 Gallup study indicated 93% of Americans celebrate Christmas. [3] This creates an opportunity for Christians. Christmas Eve is believed to be the service more unchurched people attend than any other — even Easter.
Cantatas, plays, pageants, and programs present opportunities to savor the season, reacquaint with old friends, and make new ones along the way. Although hectic, the parties with friends and family celebrations offer an opportunity to make memories children will recall for a lifetime. If intentional, we can impart the true meaning of Christmas to the next generation. The older we get, the more special these Christmas memories become, as we recall loved ones who are now with the Lord.
Value the Message of Christmas. Both studies mentioned earlier indicated Christmas is becoming increasingly secularized, with the religious elements omitted. Pew noted belief in the validity of the Christmas story is eroding. In 2017, only 66% of those surveyed believed Jesus was born of a virgin, down from 73% in 2014.
How sad to miss the true message of Christmas! God loved the world so much He sent His Son into this world to save anyone who would call upon Him. That Son willingly humbled Himself and died for us. And let us not forget the rest of the Christmas story. That baby in the manger is coming again, and every tongue will confess He is Lord.
Even if you are reeling this year from the loss of a loved one, family problems, or other challenges life has thrown at you, the peace and hope of Jesus shines through the darkness. It is a wonderful message, and Christmas provides a wonderful opportunity to share it.
Let’s value Christmas…truly the most wonderful time of
the year!
