Whose Birthday is Christmas, anyway?
December 19, 2011Sometime during the month of December we will almost certainly sing (or hear sung) the beautiful Christmas song, The Birthday of the King. Because of this reminder of the Christmas experience and also due to the fact that my Christian denomination (Southern Baptist) is engaged in a major emphasis regarding International Missions during this season, let me reprint (with edited changes necessary to be up-to-date) an article my preacher brother in Little Rock, Johnny, once wrote for his congregation.
“WHOSE BIRTHDAY IS CHRISTMAS, ANYWAY?”
It seems as if lots of people can’t, or at least don’t, answer this question properly year after year! The mad rush, the gaudy commercialism, the family frivolity—all add to the ignoring of the true meaning and observance of Christmas.
“WHOSE BIRTHDAY IS CHRISTMAS, ANYWAY?”
I hope you will think about this question when you plan your schedule of activities for the Christmas season. Isn’t it unusual—and even somewhat sad—that the church many times curtails its program and activities during this season because many church members become so preoccupied with shopping, parties, and other activities that they neglect the church calendar of events? If past records indicate anything, they predict that yesterday, December 18, the last Sunday before Christmas, will be one of the lowest attended Sundays of the year.
“WHOSE BIRTHDAY IS CHRISTMAS, ANYWAY?”
I hope you will think about this as you plan your spending and giving this year. Isn’t it rather strange that we spend so much on family and friends—and often have so little left for Jesus and His work, even though it is He who makes all our giving possible? Last year our Offering Goal for the LOTTIE MOON CHRISTMAS OFFERING FOR INTERNATIONAL MISSIONS for my home church was $20,000 and we gave $21,435. This year I am praying that our same goal of $20,000 will be once again reached and surpassed! I can only imagine what would be given if ALL our church families would have a part in this endeavor. Consider with me: is $100/$200/$300 too much to give to the work of Christ in order that the Gospel be proclaimed around the world? How much does a new television cost? A radio? A DVD player? A suit of clothes? A new dress? A bicycle? A Barbie doll? Your own most desired Christmas gift?
“WHOSE BIRTHDAY IS CHRISTMAS, ANYWAY?”
Jimmy Jackson, December 19, 2011
