United Church of God

"Tis the Season" Defend Your Faith

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A Congregation of the United Church of God

"Tis the Season" Defend Your Faith

"Tis the season”...  Yes, the Christmas season is upon us with music and decorations in the stores and “hallmark movies” are shown on television where Christmas solves all the problems someone is encountering.  

It’s also a time when we get asked several questions!  Questions like:  What are you doing this year for Christmas?  Any plans for your family this Christmas?  And of course two common ones,  Are you ready for Christmas? And: Have you got all your Christmas shopping done?

Recently a person said she was asked just that question:  Are you ready for Christmas? Her reply:  No, because I don’t celebrate Christmas. Instead I observe the Feast of Tabernacles. The other person had never heard of the Feast of Tabernacles and asked about it. The conversation continued as you can well imagine.  

I was impressed with this woman taking the opportunity to “defend her faith”.  Sure there are times when the person asking isn’t really interested in your answer and is just making conversation.  Other times, the person knows you well, and it may be the time and opportunity to share God’s truth.

This week my wife was in the dermatologist's office and was asked what we had planned for the holidays.  She answered that we don’t observe Christmas.  We are people who take Christianity seriously, but we don’t believe December 25th is the correct date of Christ’s birth and the whole holiday centers around customs and traditions that have nothing to do with Jesus Christ.  She went on to say we don’t feel this holiday honors Christ when there is more focus on Santa Clause and other made up traditions.  

The female dermatologist was polite and understood.  What followed was a heart to heart conversation about the differences she has in her own family as she is Lutheran and her husband is Jewish. The conversation shifted away from Christmas to other religious beliefs and my wife came home excited that she actually spoke up. 

There are many who have used the opportunity to “defend their faith” and have similar stories.  

It may take practice to feel comfortable with what you’d like to say in response to a person’s questions about Christmas, but through practice you will become more confident.  If you struggle to know what to say when you are confronted with a Christmas question - pray about it.  Ask God through the power of His Holy Spirit to help you. Ask other members what approach has been helpful to them in sharing our beliefs in an appropriate way. 

The scriptures tell us in 1 Peter 3:15 we should always be ready to give an answer: But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asks you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear. 

You never know when your comment will open a door and give you the opportunity to share God’s truth.  It may even be appropriate to follow up with sending a study booklet on the topic of discussion.