The temperatures have dropped, the rain has arrived, and our surrounding mountains are capped with a beautiful white glow. Colored lights are strung on homes throughout the valley, signaling that the Christmas season is here. Many of us have already begun to celebrate.

I attended my first holiday party of the year this week: good food, nice people, soft music, and gifts under the tree. This ritual of festivity will, no doubt, be repeated countless times in homes, businesses, and churches throughout the community. For many, this is the most joyous time of year, a time for connecting with friends and family. But this isn’t true for everyone.

One of the challenges many of us are facing is finding ways to make the holidays truly “holy.” We tend to forget that the word “holiday” actually means “holy-day.” In an age where the concept of holiness is either foreign or rejected by many, there is a lot of confusion around this idea. Even Christians are upset about the trend of certain retailers moving from “Merry Christmas” to “Happy Holidays.” They are concerned that businesses are taking the Christ out of Christmas. But I suggest that for these companies, Christ was never really part of Christmas. It has always been about marketing programs to generate sales and maximize profits.

Many are convinced that changing the terminology waters down the message. We are so far removed from the concept of “holiness” that we get offended when someone wishes us a happy holy-day.

Instead of getting caught up in debates that profit nothing (1 Timothy 6), why don’t we focus on ways to make these days holy-days? After all, if Jesus is still the reason for the season, Christians should be leading the way in this effort. Yes, feeding the hungry and clothing the poor are two ways we can do this. Reaching out to shut-ins and those in prison are also worthy efforts. We must not forget some of the more challenging quests, such as finding forgiveness for someone who has hurt us, or seeking reconciliation and peace with someone we’re at odds with.

So, as we break out the eggnog and decorate the tree with tinsel, let us also consider Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12). Let’s pause the status quo and cast aside the stresses and worries of the season to pursue a meaningful holy-day season, placing His message of love at the center of everything we do.

Author: Dan Nelson

Pastor Dan Nelson, Bible teacher and author, is dedicated to spreading the life-changing truths of God’s Word