December 20th, 2025
by Dr. Ron Harvey
by Dr. Ron Harvey
The church drama group was practicing for a presentation of the nativity scene on Sunday, but the baby could not come for the rehearsal. Somehow, everything seemed a little off without him, so said the actors in the Christmas Play.
Sadly, this is a parallel to what happens in our culture anyway. Christ becomes a symbol for the season, but festivities go on without Him. At least that is so for many. In reality, can we actually have Christmas without Christ?
For us, what can we do to keep Christ central in Christmas? Let me make some suggestions: Recognize that—
Christmas is a time of worship. The angels’ song to the shepherds Glory to God in the highest… (Luke 2:14) became the first response to the birth of the Christ child. The Wise Men bowed before Him (Matthew 2:11). It was a time for worship and celebration. Those who understand Christmas will worship Christ. After all, it is Christmas (Christ Mass = Christ Worship). So do not allow the busyness of the season to push away the real business of the season. He is the Reason for the Season!
Christmas is a time of giving. Most people think of gifts when they think of Christmas. Some spend time thinking of what they want to give, perhaps there are some who think more of what they want to get. People often speak of what they want for Christmas. I think maybe all of this misses the point…
In the Christmas story, we see evidence of the finest gifts for Him. We cannot help but think of the Wise Men and their precious gifts for the Christ child. However, Christmas giving went much deeper. For example, Jesus’ human family gave their best to provide for and protect the Christ child. Perhaps, both Mary and Joseph suffered reputation in their community to provide for this baby born out of wedlock. Certainly, Mary sacrificed her own body as the instrument through whom the Christ child would come. Then they both relocated away from their family, friends and job to escape King Herod’s jealous wrath.
Christmas giving begins here. It means even more than gifts; it involves life. For that reason, the Christmas season should be filled with giving. Every Christian at Christmas should look for opportunities to give to Christ in meaningful ways.
Christmas is a time to tell the story of Christ. In the biblical account, upon hearing the story about the birth of the Christ child, people told the news. The shepherds went everywhere sharing the story. The Wise Men told what they knew even before they saw it for themselves. God Himself told it through the Gospels in His own book. This story deserves our witness, too!
Keeping Christ central in Christmas means several things. He must be in our thoughts—He deserves our worship. He must be in our values—He deserves our gifts. He must be in our actions—He deserves our witness. Let’s put Christ where He belongs: in the center of our Christmas!
Devotedly yours,
Pastor Ron
Sadly, this is a parallel to what happens in our culture anyway. Christ becomes a symbol for the season, but festivities go on without Him. At least that is so for many. In reality, can we actually have Christmas without Christ?
For us, what can we do to keep Christ central in Christmas? Let me make some suggestions: Recognize that—
Christmas is a time of worship. The angels’ song to the shepherds Glory to God in the highest… (Luke 2:14) became the first response to the birth of the Christ child. The Wise Men bowed before Him (Matthew 2:11). It was a time for worship and celebration. Those who understand Christmas will worship Christ. After all, it is Christmas (Christ Mass = Christ Worship). So do not allow the busyness of the season to push away the real business of the season. He is the Reason for the Season!
Christmas is a time of giving. Most people think of gifts when they think of Christmas. Some spend time thinking of what they want to give, perhaps there are some who think more of what they want to get. People often speak of what they want for Christmas. I think maybe all of this misses the point…
In the Christmas story, we see evidence of the finest gifts for Him. We cannot help but think of the Wise Men and their precious gifts for the Christ child. However, Christmas giving went much deeper. For example, Jesus’ human family gave their best to provide for and protect the Christ child. Perhaps, both Mary and Joseph suffered reputation in their community to provide for this baby born out of wedlock. Certainly, Mary sacrificed her own body as the instrument through whom the Christ child would come. Then they both relocated away from their family, friends and job to escape King Herod’s jealous wrath.
Christmas giving begins here. It means even more than gifts; it involves life. For that reason, the Christmas season should be filled with giving. Every Christian at Christmas should look for opportunities to give to Christ in meaningful ways.
Christmas is a time to tell the story of Christ. In the biblical account, upon hearing the story about the birth of the Christ child, people told the news. The shepherds went everywhere sharing the story. The Wise Men told what they knew even before they saw it for themselves. God Himself told it through the Gospels in His own book. This story deserves our witness, too!
Keeping Christ central in Christmas means several things. He must be in our thoughts—He deserves our worship. He must be in our values—He deserves our gifts. He must be in our actions—He deserves our witness. Let’s put Christ where He belongs: in the center of our Christmas!
Devotedly yours,
Pastor Ron
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