Embracing Christmas

John 3:13. "But the Son of Man came down from heaven."

Many people l-o-v-e the festivities of Christmas now referred to as the 'Holiday Season'. Secular Muslim friends take pictures of their first Christmas in the West in front of the largest tree in the mall or even of their younger children on Santa's lap. They have endearing titles like Baba Noel for him, like he's part of their family! They love all the hoopla in the mall. It's a bit like the bazaars and souks back home. 

Candlelight services on Christmas Eve with the pleasing ambience are popular events for the whole family. Several of these events where we took our Muslim friends to, come to mind. One was at a small church where we formed a big circle around the sanctuary, candles in hand and sang songs like 'Joy to the World' and 'We wish you a Merry Christmas' at the end of the service. Our friends were touched. Another time newly arrived Persians noticeably took many pictures of the superb decorations in the foyer and sanctuary of the church before and after the Candlelight service.

Yusef, from Shia Muslim background, visited our house. After discussing many aspects of the Christian faith including the message of Christmas, Yusef asked “What about the Mahdi?” You may recall that Shia Muslims believe there is an Imam figure who is currently hidden and will re-appear when things fall apart on earth. His question gave us an opportunity to explain that according to Muslims, the Mahdi is from the earth but the Bible tells us that Jesus came from heaven. He is the Savior of the world and wants to give everyone an opportunity to have eternal life. My answer to Yusef was that we are focused on Jesus, not on the Mahdi.

It's a great privilege to share the message of Christmas with our Muslim friends. And they need help in interpreting the mixed messages. Favorite Christmas carols in the Malls include a mixture of Jingle Bells, songs about Santa Claus, and the birth of Jesus. Santa Claus' presence encourages the commercialization of Christmas. He 'gives' gifts to deserving kids. The Bible on the other hand, shows that God came to us in the form of a baby. We didn't deserve this kindness. Muslims have it right, that God truly is merciful.

We visited a Muslim home where their kids had a very small ceramic Christmas tree in the bedroom--hidden away but greatly treasured. Another thing they treasure is this centerfold of a manger scene from a Guidepost Christmas card I gave them 5 years ago. I glued a bunch of these on hardboard and made them available at an English Conversation Group party. They were all taken in minutes...mostly by Muslims!

While the mall is not our favorite place at this time of year, we try to maximize on sharing the reason for the season. So, that's why I've learned to embrace Christmas rather than dwelling on the commercialization. The whole world desperately needs the message of Jesus...Peace on Earth, Goodwill towards Man!

Go tell it on the mountain
Over the hills and everywhere...
That Jesus Christ is born...

Lord Jesus, as the shepherds did so long ago, help us to announce the coming of Jesus to our friends.

see also "Telling the Christmas Story" by Joy.