Ebenezer Scrooge (JIM CARREY)

In the opening chapter of Dicken’s famous classic, “A Christmas Carol,” Ebenezer Scrooge is visited in his counting house by his nephew.  The nephew wishes him “Merry Christmas,” after which a discussion occurs between the two about “keeping Christmas.”  Eventually, Scrooge closes the discussion by saying “you keep Christmas in your own way, and let me keep it in mine.”

I believe that our culture has basically adopted the attitude of Scrooge, in that the “keeping” of Christmas boils down to whatever each of us thinks is appropriate.

In Romans 14:6, Paul says this about celebrating holidays:

“He that regardeth the day, regardeth it unto the Lord; and he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard it.”

How we keep Christmas should not be determined by family traditions or culture, but by what gives honor to God.

Colossians 1:18 says that in all things, Jesus “should have the preeminence.” That means that in everything, He should be the focus, the purpose and the motivation.

We celebrate the Christmas season BECAUSE of Christ, and therefore it should be practiced in a way that brings Him all the honor and glory.

So, as you practice your Christmas traditions this year, consider whether you are conforming to the attitude of Ebenezer Scrooge, or following the Word of God.