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The Best Christmas Ever
By Christina Quick | November 12, 2008
A new Christmas ad campaign in our nation’s capital discourages belief in God.
The American Humanist Association spent $40,000 to place its message on Metro buses this holiday season. The organization claims it’s just trying to boost the spirits of agnostics, atheists and other non-religious people “who feel a little alone during the holidays because of its association with traditional religion.” (Read the story here.)
What a tragically misguided mission. How could denying the Creator make anyone feel less alone in the world? How will being told there is no God, no eternity, help someone facing Christmas for the first time after the loss of a beloved family member? How can it encourage a person who has just been diagnosed with inoperable cancer? Will it bring hope to a depressed individual contemplating suicide? At a time when many across the nation are worried about how they will provide for their families, how could such an ad lift anyone from despair?
Several Christmases ago when our kids were preschoolers, we were facing hard times. My husband had lost his newspaper job two months earlier and hadn’t yet found work. Consequently, our celebration had to be scaled back. After exchanging a few small gifts, we opened the family Bible to read the Christmas story from the Gospel of Luke. In spite of the uncertainties hanging over our financial future, it was a picture perfect moment. The kids listened attentively, their little faces glowing in the flickering candlelight. Snow fell outside our apartment building, covering the gray world with a pristine blanket of white. As we finished reading and the Bible was closed, our 4-year-old son spoke up.
“This is the best Christmas ever,” he said softly.
“What makes you say that?” I asked.
“I’ve known God all my life,” he said in an awed tone, his blue eyes brimming with tears. “But this is the first time I’ve ever felt his presence.”
Christmas that year wasn’t about what my husband and I were able to give. It was special because of what God gave and continues to give: His tender involvement in our lives.
The reality is we were made to know God. Being separated from Him leaves us without purpose, meaning, or hope for the future. Christmas reminds us we are not alone. We don’t have to fight life’s battles in our own power. Jesus came to earth as Immanuel, which means “God with us” (Matthew 1:23).
Isaiah 61:1-2 describes exactly why He came: “to preach good news to the poor … bind up the brokenhearted … proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners … comfort all who mourn … provide for those who grieve … a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.”
That’s the encouragement the world needs this Christmas. They need to hear that they can know God and experience His love and presence. They need to be told of His invitation to come to Him and receive His promises, including the gift of eternal life.
You may not have the funds to purchase a moving billboard. But your life can be a moving billboard. Make this the best Christmas ever for someone by sharing Christ’s message of hope.
Click here to learn more about how to begin a relationship with Jesus and experience His presence and salvation.
Topics: Faith |
