It seems like more and more people only practice faith at Christmas. Tis the season to show up for Christmas Eve service at Church to undo all of the evil deeds you have done throughout the year. Maybe you are just stopping by to practice faith at Christmas to appease a parent or family member. Whatever the reason is, your trip to Church on Christmas eve is pointless unless you change your life. One day a year in the doors of Church will never help you build a relationship, Jesus. Some people think that it is great to pay om mage to Jesus one day a year before tearing into the Christmas presents nestled under the tree. I, on the other hand, think that it is a disingenuous attempt to appear right with God.
This time of year also sparks a battle with the phrase “Merry Christmas” and “Happy Holidays.” The struggle for a proper greeting is buried under all of the tinsel and Christmas cookies. Do you find yourself getting offended when someone says Happy Holidays, but you only go to Church on Christmas Eve? I couldn't think of a better example of a hypocrite than this. Sure, you don't have to go to Church to be a Christian. But shouldn't you be practicing your faith the entire year, not just around Christmas time? How you live your life throughout the year makes more of a statement than wearing your Christmas best one time a year at Church.
You shouldn't only practice faith at Christmas.
There is an entire year that you should be practicing your faith, not just at Christmas. What purpose do you serve if your Christian spirit only comes out for a few days a year? We are supposed to be the salt and light of the world. Salt gives flavor and light penetrates the darkness. When you bottle up your faith inside, you become a bland useless utensil. One of the exciting things about being a Christian is to evangelize with others. Sharing your faith is a direct command from Jesus himself.
As lovely as it is to share in the Advent season, don't sell yourself short. The Christmas season marks the birth of Jesus. But this isn't the end of the story. With the birth comes the life and death of Jesus. These stories are important to tell as well. Don't let the story of the good news end with the birth of Jesus. Remember that Jesus was born to save us from our sins. When you practice faith at Christmas, continue the story throughout the year.
Luke 2:11 NASB for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.