Consider this as the reason for the season

No matter your religious background or beliefs, I think you and I can agree on one thing.

SOMETHING IS WRONG WITH THE WORLD WE LIVE IN.

It’s not just the earthquakes and hurricanes and floods (or lack of snow at 10,200 ft.!) that make me say that.

It’s the people.

I’m just being honest about what is happening in our world. People do horrid things to each other.

[dropshadowbox align=”right” effect=”lifted-both” width=”250px” height=”” background_color=”#fdf484″ border_width=”1″ border_color=”#dddddd” ]Sin is the reason for the season. – TWEET THIS[/dropshadowbox]Child or spouse abuse, murder, rape, sexual assault, theft, discrimination, embezzlement.

Those are the heavy-duty things… but there’s also lying, gossip, hatred, bitterness, and plain old meanness. Not to mention selfishness and inner pride.

It’s easy to point the finger at those we consider to be “really bad” people, but the truth is we are all guilty on some level.

Something is wrong with the world, and the people in it.

The Bible calls that “something” sin… and I still haven’t found a better word for it.

WHAT’S ALL THAT GOT TO DO WITH THE REASON FOR THE SEASON?

Christmas is not about…

…silver bells and Christmas-time in the city…

…Rudolph, Dancer, Prancer, Comet, and company, including Santa himself.

…chestnuts roasting, or partridges in pear trees, or sleigh rides, or jingle bells, or gifts under trees, or shopping, or family.

The true reason for the season is that God intervened regarding our sin-addiction.

At Christmas He sent Jesus, to break sin’s hold on us… to give us a way out. Anyone who truly places their trust in the baby who was born in the manger (who grew up and died for our sins) is guaranteed by God to be forgiven, completely, forever.

This Christmas, teach your kids that sin is the reason for the season.

Matthew 1:21 – She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.

Read and talk about the biblical Christmas story (take it in chunks with smaller kids)
Honestly talk about your own sin, and why you are thankful for Jesus’ birth and death
Discuss the “why” behind gift-giving at Christmas, and how God is the greatest giver of all

If you’d like to hear more ideas about how to center your Christmas season around Christ, listen to the podcast episode coming up on December 12, 2012. There will be a TON of ideas and resources, shared by blog readers and podcast listeners, to help you do just that.