Want to Keep Christ in Christmas? Go to Church

There are lots of ways in which one could conceivably convince themselves that they were remembering the true meaning of Christmas. But in the struggle to find the perfect “Jesus Is the Reason” yard sign, don’t forget the number one way to keep Christ in Christmas.

Go to church.

If I were so inclined, I could find any number of rubrics to let you know which services you are obligated to attend and on which days, but that’s not the point. Make an effort. Keep Christ in Christmas.

Go to church.

That’s what Christmas is all about, after all. It’s not about some vague notions of peace and good will and niceties. It’s about a baby born to deliver us from sin and death and hell. Think about it. Very God, born of a virgin, the fulfillment of the Law and Prophets. This baby changes everything, and for all time.

One day, we shall see him face to face. Until then, we are invited to gather together to hear his Word proclaimed and feast at his Table. That’s what the whole Christmas thing is about. That’s why we call it “Christ-mass.”

It’s not about presents.

It’s not about lights.

It’s not about family.

It’s not about food.

It’s not about being thankful for temporal blessings.

All of those things are fine and good, but they are still nothing compared to Jesus.

So go to church. Gather together with God’s people. Participate in the liturgy. Sing the carols. Hear the Word proclaimed. Feast on his body and blood.

Keep Christ in Christmas. Let the truth of the Incarnation thaw your heart and soul.

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

The same was in the beginning with God.

All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.

In him was life; and the life was the light of men.

And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.

There was a man sent from God, whose name was John.

The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe.

He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light.

That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.

He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not.

He came unto his own, and his own received him not.

But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:

Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.

And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.