Christmas, an important holiday in our country, has different meanings for different people. For retailers it mans sales and profits. For secular Americans it means family and warm feelings remembering Christmases of days gone by. For non-Christians it can be confusing as such spiritual significance is masked by materialism and greed.

Of course, for us who profess Christ, Christmas is a time to remember the greatest gift ever received—eternal salvation and cleansing from sin. We celebrate the babe in the manger, because he did not stay a babe. He grew to manhood and gave himself for our sins. For us, Christmas is a prelude to Easter.

Many Christians are concerned with the secular feeling of modern Christmas. There are calls to Keep Christ in Christmas. We often forget that it is only Christ’s people who can keep Christ in Christmas. The secular world, with its emphasis on Santa, reindeer and snowmen does not celebrate Christmas. Those who deny that Christ came in the flesh cannot celebrate the incarnation displayed in the events of Christmas. At best, such people celebrate a social holiday or a childhood recollection.

It is far more important how we as the church celebrate. Rather than following the world’s practices, overspending and rampant commercialism, let’s look for opportunities to share the gospel; to share the love of Christ, in spiritual and tangible ways.

People are far more willing to discuss Jesus and his message than at any other time of year. The babe in the manger does not frighten. The Jesus of Christmas is soft and cuddly—neither judging nor condemning. But Easter is coming. The babe swaddled in rags died on a cross and rose from the dead. He is seated at the right hand of majesty to rule and judge the world.

Look for opportunities this season to Keep Christ in Christmas. This includes far more than saying “Merry Christmas” in place of “Happy Holidays.” His people do this by sharing the meaning of the incarnation; what it means for us, and what it means for them. This year give the greatest gift you can—Jesus Christ: Savior, Redeemer, King, and Lord.