Keep Christ to Yourself

In case you missed a rather provocative, or might I say, controversial article; check out Harry the Hobo's "The War on X-Mas - Where is the Christ?" The comments that were left for that article prompted me to begin a search of my own for where is the Christ this Christmas. I usually don't get involved in the controversy surrounding the "Happy Holidays" versus "Merry Christmas" debate. My heart breaks when yet another Nativity Scene is removed from public property. (I might add that I have the same response to the removal of the Menorah.) But, I prefer to keep Christmas in my heart and to share my testimony of Him when "the spirit moves me". As an example, I shared a story about one such experience in an earlier article entitled "Why Christmas is Not Just for Christians."

The subtitle to Harry the Hobo's article began to bug me. "Where is the Christ". So, to cheer myself or to find a way to feel that "yes, Sharon, there really is a Christ in Christmas", I went to Yahoo Answers. I asked the question of the crowd "HOW are you putting Christ back in Christmas?"

One writer shared a provocative answer. "A few years back I was out shopping for the special gift, for my special love, the more I went store to store the more tense I got thinking that I would not be able to find such a gift, so I got an idea I said to myself I will observe the people around me and listen to some of the conversations and just maybe I will get a idea as to what to get. So I sat down on a bench in the middle of the mall and just looked and listened to the crowds around me, the more I looked, the more I listened, the more I got concerned that the people around me did not personify the true meaning of Christmas. It was more a fight a struggle to find that special gift. I was in shock. That is when I realized that Christ himself was the ultimate gift, he was sent to earth so that we can have everlasting life, what more perfect gift can one ask for. I got up got something nice and when straight home.

That night I found out how Christmas in not Christmas any more. That night I found out how Christmas can still be Christmas when Christ is the main focus in your celebrations."

His answer was juxtaposed with the request Jeff Musall directed at me in his comment on Harry the Hobo's article. Jeff wrote "....and Sharon, as for me and my house, we want nothing to do with your lord. So I would thank you to keep him to yourself."

You know, Jeff, you have a point there. Not a complete point, mind you, but you have made a very poignant and pithy point there. Honestly, after going to my favorite book and researching the word "keep" I've decided that you have given me the most important Christmas and Christ confirming message I have ever received.

With help and guidance in understanding how to "keep" anything and according to the thesaurus, by 'keeping' Christ to myself, I will

"adhere to" and "hold" His teachings;

"bless" and "sanctify" His name;

"celebrate", "laud" and "honor" the salvation I have received from Him;

"comply with" and "respect" His teachings;

"consecrate" my might, mind and strength to His service;

"fulfill" all the duties or callings that He requires of me;

"obey" and "observe His commandments and His law;

"perform" the service He requires of me;

"praise" His name in worship and song; and

"regard", "notice" and "observe" His love for all mankind;

As Christians, it seems that we begin our search for Christ in the wrong places, and some of us with stomping feet, demand His appearance there. I propose that we will not find Christ in the shopping malls until we take Him into our hearts and we take Him there. He will not be found on the courthouse lawn or in the halls of justice unless He dwells in our hearts and is presented there. Christ will not be found in our public schools unless He dwells in the hearts of our children and lives through their hands and voices.

Thank you Jeff. Though I will not be surprised if this is not what you intended with your request that I keep Christ to myself; you have brought a brighter light and understanding to putting and keeping Christ in Christmas. Yours is a gift I would "regift" to others in search of Christ this Christmas. It is a gift that may prick the hearts of those who would, like yourself, rather that we Christians keep Christ to ourselves. Thank you. I sincerely plan to keep Christ to myself this Christmas.