At this time of year, the commercialism, pursuit of profit, and unrestrained avarice due to the holiday season can be disturbing (if not downright disgusting).In view of this, it is often said that people need to "put Christ back into Christmas” and to remember that Christ is "the reason for the season.”Many are disillusioned about Christmas because of the worldly nature of its observance.Of course, this sentiment overlooks the fact that there is no Biblical basis for Christians observing Christmas as a religious holiday in the first place.Nevertheless, the thought that Christ is "the reason for the season” is an interesting one, and it can be taken much farther.
The truth is that Christ is the reason for this season, last season, and every season.In fact, He is the reason for everything. Notice the text of Colossians 1:15-17 that describes Christ Jesus:
"He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation.For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities--all things have been created through Him and for Him.He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.”
This is one of the most profound statements in the Scriptures regarding Christ’s universal importance to all of creation.It is bolstered by other passages such as John 1:1-3 and Hebrews 1:1-4, which reiterate that Christ is the Creator and the Sustainer of all things.They were all created by Him, they continue by His power, and they exist for Him.
This revelation gives importance to everything and everyone because of the connection to Christ.No one can be insignificant or unimportant who exists for the Christ.Even the mundane activities of life have significance when they are done in the service of the Lord, which they all should be (Eph. 6:5-9; Col. 3:17).This is not to overemphasize anything beyond what is proper, but it is simply to show that all of life should be considered important.
Therefore, our minds should be set on the purpose of honoring Christ in all that we do.Because we were created by Him and for Him, He must be the focus of our living.Those who have realized this have submitted themselves in obedience to the Lord through His gospel.They live every day in pursuit of the goal that Christ has for them according to His word.Indeed, the apostle Paul wrote that for Christians Christ is their life (Col. 3:4).Likewise, he said of himself, "For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Phil. 1:21).However, those who oppose Christ and refuse His word defy the very purpose for which they exist.They were created for Him, yet they live for themselves.They are without purpose, without the Lord, and without hope in the world.
Thus, the idea of "putting Christ back into Christmas” should be more appropriately restated as "putting Christ back into everything.”Likewise, the thought that "Christ is the reason for the season” should be rethought as "Christ is the reason for everything.”Simply stated, Christ deserves more that an occasional man-ordained holiday to His honor.He deserves our undying service and gratitude in all that we do every day.He deserves faithful obedience to His blessed word.He deserves a weekly observance of His memorial in His church as He ordained.He deserves all things, for "all things have been created through Him and for Him.”
