Jesus Drives Me

I absolutely love the holidays.  I love spending time with my family, putting up decorations and decorating the Christmas tree.  I even enjoy picking out thoughtful gifts for each member of my family and friends alike.  There’s a joy that shines within during this precious month, not only because of the things I mentioned above, but because of the true reason for the season.  Jesus.

For Christians, Christmas should be a celebration of life and purpose — far more precious than the latest fashion fad or toy wrapped perfectly under the Christmas tree.  For me, I see a vision of a baby Jesus; a life so meaningful, born into the world with the purpose to save all who accept His call (Romans 6:23).  Luke 2:1-7 tells the story of His birth:

⁽¹⁾ In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (²⁾ (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) ⁽³⁾ And everyone went to his own town to register.

⁽⁴⁾ So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. ⁽⁵) He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. ⁽⁶⁾ While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, ⁽⁷⁾ and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

The beautiful baby we all picture in that nativity scene didn’t leave this world in a picture perfect form.  Jesus willingly came into this world as a baby, knowing that He’d take all sin upon himself and die to pay the debt as a man (John 3:16, 1 Timothy 1:15-17).

With that in mind, I can’t help but wonder “What Would Jesus Do” if he were here right now – during the Christmas season?  Would He be handing out perfectly wrapped gifts or sending Christmas cards to His loved ones?  Would He be standing in line at 4 AM to get the after Thanksgiving day deals?  Would He be agonizing over whether to cook a turkey or ham for the big day?

I can’t say with 100% certainty, but I am pretty confident that Jesus wouldn’t be wasting His time doing any of those things.  I have a feeling that His gifts of  love, time and money would be used to do far better things than just giving meaningless gifts that will be forgotten in a few months time.

I don’t see Jesus stuffing himself full with Christmas dinner and throwing the leftovers out a week later.  No, not when there are hungry mouths to feed just a few blocks down the road.  I don’t see Jesus “decking the halls” when there are families with no place to lay their heads.  Furthermore, I don’t see Jesus waiting in line for 4-plus hours on black Friday in order to get the best deal on Christmas gifts either!

I realize that it would technically be His birthday (and none of that would be expected anyhow) but the real question is does Jesus expect that of us?  Would He want us to spend so much time and effort doing the “traditional” things when there are more important things on the agenda?  I know the importance of coming together as a family and celebrating life and being merry.  I truly believe that this warms Jesus’ heart too, but I can’t ignore that feeling inside that says Christmas should be about more.

This Christmas season ask yourselves…

1. What does Christmas mean to me?
2. How am I truly honoring that meaning?
3. What would Jesus do?

I’ve asked myself those questions and there have been some good and bad things revealed in the answers.  It’s a great way to self-reflect and a good start to creating new traditions that can make a real difference!

Have a very Merry Christmas and may God bless you and yours!