Packing up the “Christ-mas” decorations
Reflections by Delight Antos, ABC/WI Board President
Is it easier to remember Christ as Christmas decorations come out? When we look at the nativity displays in our homes, our church front lawns, or the Christmas cards with the scenes of the season printed on them, does it help us to focus on Christ? So what happens when we put them all away and pray in a new year? Does our faith go back in the box? Do we go back to our normal giving, caring faith lives? Do we say, “I’ve celebrated Christmas by giving to charities, friends, relatives, and an occasional stranger…On to 2018”?
Deuteronomy 6:5 states, “And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength.” Ephesians 3:16-17 states, “I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong.” (NLT translation)
I found a song entitled “Christmas in our Hearts” by Jose Mari Chan which encourages us to keep Christ-mas always in our hearts and guide us in another new year. Can we do that? Do we dwell in His presence and listen for His leading in our lives? If it is Valentine’s Day or the first day of Summer is there any less need in the world around us, in our family, or in ourselves than on Christmas? No, I believe there is more need.
With Christ in our hearts, and just as importantly our hearts in Christ, we can keep Christ in all we bring to this year of 2018. Hebrews 10:24-25 reads, “ Let us be concerned for one another, to help one another to show love and do good. Let us not give up the habit of meeting together, as some are doing. Instead, let us encourage one another all the more…” (GNT).