I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all people.
Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you:
He is Christ the Lord! (Luke 2:10-11)

As the oldest of six children in my family, Christmas was a special time. Perhaps the most memorable time during those growing up years was our participation in the retelling of the Luke 2 story of Christ’ birth. Now, we didn’t just read it—we acted it out. Dad worked with us on the script to make sure we knew who said or did what. Mom helped us assemble our costumes, and then the moment arrived for us to present the greatest story ever to our gathered family.

I have to admit that I did not always play my part enthusiastically, especially as a teenager. There were times I was embarrassed putting on the bathrobe and head piece to play my part as Joseph or a shepherd. I suspect my youngest brother, Scott, enjoyed it even less when he had to play Mary because my sisters were the angels.

Yet, looking back from my current vantage point, I can truthfully say that neither I nor my siblings would change a thing about those moments of stardom in our family. Of all the great Christmas memories and traditions, it was those memories—when we took the stage to tell the story of the birth of our Savior—that carry the most significance for us. We learned that as much as we enjoy wanting, there is a much deeper want for which the human soul longs, and for which we were created—something that can only be satisfied in the Savior who became one of us.

Yes, I know some Christians think we should not celebrate Christmas because of its pagan roots—that all of this commercialization is simply the consequence of those pagan roots. And not only that, they argue, Jesus was most likely born in late September (around the Feast of Tabernacles), not December.

They’re probably right—Jesus was not born in December. Christmas in December was started in response to the pagan Roman celebration of Saturnalia. So, if your conscience condemns you in this matter, don’t observe it.

Yet, in spite of the worldly distractions that the Enemy uses to invade the sacred wonder and mystery of the Incarnation, it is our task to help another generation recapture that wonder of a Savior born to redeem us from our sin where foolish desires enslave us. Perhaps we would do well to make a more intentional effort to keep Christmas focused on the truth of the Incarnation rather than that which distracts us from it, so the world will see the truth.  

So, whatever you may think about the origins of this holiday we call Christmas, it is incumbent upon Christians to make it a time of great joy and celebration of the Savior born to us. This is the story that must be told and retold generation after generation. It is the story of Immanuel—God with us! It is because of this truth that we can encourage our grandchildren to walk with confident hope in the midst of great darkness and fear.

If God is not with us, we have no hope. This is a time to proclaim that hope! The Incarnation we celebrate is the reason why the redeemed have a song to sing, a hope to proclaim, a peace to share, and a purpose to live. Who will tell this good news? If not you, then who?

I urge you to listen to this short and stirring message by Charles Spurgeon recaptured in a video by ShiftWorship.com. In fact, you might want to share it with the rest of your family and friends this Christmas.

To all of you grandparents, Merry Christmas. May the reality of Immanuel fill you with such a great, contagious joy that all in your family, neighborhood and workplace will take notice.