I understand that Jesus is the real reason for the season, but between Santa and jingle bells, Christmas parties, and presents to buy, I think most of us struggle to keep our attention focused on the Baby in the manger.  So I was thinking… if Jesus were still walking the earth, what would He be doing this Christmas?  Here's my best guess.

Jesus Would Celebrate Christmas. There are many places in Scripture that record Jesus participating in the holidays of His culture.  He ate holiday feasts with His family and friends. (Matthew 26:18–19)  Jesus wasn't a stick-His-head-in-the-sand kind of guy.  I believe He would join us at our church Christmas pageants and family dinners and would accept an invitation to step into our decorated homes.

Jesus Wouldn't Focus on Presents.  Jesus wasn't into stuff.  In Matthew 6:19, He said, "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal." In Luke 12:15, He said, "One's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions."  I don't see any evidence in Scripture that He would say giving gifts is wrong.  But He did warn us that our stuff isn't as important as we think it is.

Jesus Would Serve Others.  I doubt He'd use His birthday as a holiday from serving others.  Jesus asked us to make an extra effort to meet the needs of the poor, the hungry and thirsty, those in need of clothing, the sick and those in prison.  It's great to spend Christmas with the people we cherish, but I think Jesus would somehow spend His birthday in service to others.

Jesus Would Take the Opportunity to Teach the Good News.  In John 7:14 and 7:37, we see Jesus using a festival as an opportunity to teach truth.  I am reminded of the simple fact that not everyone knows about the true meaning of Christmas.  Not everyone understands that Jesus didn't stay in a manger but went on to die to pay the price for our sin and share the hope that this life is not all there is.  Who will be at your Christmas party?  Who will sit at your Christmas table who doesn't have the hope that only He can give?  Take the unique opportunity that Christmas provides to share the love of Jesus.

Clearly, this season isn't about Santa’s and wreaths, presents and bows.  It's about Jesus.  He shows us how His miracle is best celebrated.  Look to Jesus' example, and then bow your heart to the miracle in the manger.  “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”      

Tom