The Holidays

The holiday season is officially upon us. It begins with the Thanksgiving events of family, feasting, and football. It ends with the bringing in of the new year. Many people enjoy the season, others find it a time of frustration and depression. How should the Christian view the holiday season?

First, it is a time for thanksgiving the same as every other time of the year. We are blessed by God to live in a country of great plenty. There is more than enough food produced daily for our physical needs. This is not the case in other parts of the world. Paul wrote in I Timothy 4: 3-5 concerning "meats," "which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth. For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving: For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer."

We should also express thanksgiving for the freedoms we enjoy. We enjoy the freedom to worship God according to our understanding of the Bible rather than the official system sanctioned by the State. Many countries do not allow believers to practice the Bible’s teachings openly. In some Muslim countries it is illegal to approach another person with the gospel of Jesus. This "crime" is punishable by imprisonment. Some countries such as China do not allow worship assemblies other than those of the officially recognized church.

Second, it is a time of giving the same as any other time of year. Paul quoted Jesus saying, "It is more blessed to give than to receive" (Acts 20:35). Paul wrote to the Galatians "let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith." People will need assistance during the holidays the same as the rest of the year. Christians need to remember the physical needs of others throughout the year, not just during the holiday season.

Third, it is a time for reflection. Traditionally people examine their actions over the year and the make "new year’s resolutions" for the coming year. Most people resolve to lose weight, get in better physical shape, fix up the house, etc. Christians need to take a spiritual inventory of their year. Resolve to "do better" this next year. What areas might we try to improve? Reaching out to the lost. Jesus came to seek and to save the lost (Luke 19:10), and has given the job to the church (Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15,16). We sing, "Lead me to some soul today, oh teach me Lord just what to say Friends of mine are lost in sin, and can not find their way." How well did we fulfill the request? The Lord provided opportunities, did we take advantage of them?

Fourth, this is a time to take a prospective look. After determining areas of weakness or failure, how can we improve in the coming year? Many people join the Y. M.C. A. or some other health club to improve their physical condition. How can we improve the spiritual condition? Resolve to do it, pray about it, and do it. Areas every Christian needs to emphasize are Bible study (daily personal study at home and participation on Sunday morning, Wednesday evening), seeking the lost (look for opportunities now as many people are thinking about Jesus at this time of year), attendance at worship assemblies, V. B. S., and gospel meetings.

--Denny