Celebrating Christmas Can Be Dangerous

Celebrating Christmas can be dangerous.  I am not referring to the commercial trappings of this stressful shopping season.   There is a real and imminent danger for millions of Christians around the world who gather to celebrate the birth of Christ.  Not only at Christmas season but also Easter, Christians may be especially targeted by terrorist groups who think they are “offering a service to God.” (John 16:2)

I’m not going to address the fact that the celebration of Christ’s birth is not commanded in Scripture.  What I would like to highlight is the reality that Christians who do celebrate Christmas in many places of the world do so at great risk.  They are aware of the potential danger yet still gather in honor of their incarnate King.  The hatred and hostility they experience every day of the year from their persecutors is heightened in this season.  As they hate Christ, so they hate Christ-ians. (John 15:18)

As you know, hostility toward Christ is evident here too.  Any reference to his title, even in a secularized Christ-mas, is replaced with an ‘X' or a benign ‘seasons greetings.’  Satan’s minions would love to erase any vestige of Christ from our culture.  Yet, at this time of the year, we can join with the worldwide church to boldly proclaim Christ the King of all nations and cultures.  “Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end…” (Isaiah 9:7)  

REMEMBER

As you gather with your family this week, remember those who are your greater spiritual family in Christ.  While we enjoy the comfort, peace, and freedom we have been given in God’s providence, other members of the Body will be mistreated, beaten, imprisoned, tortured and even be killed for celebrating Christ’s birth.   

At this time of the year, 

… remember your suffering family in North Korea; those who are starving and forbidden to even lift up their eyes to heaven to pray to the LORD Christ, the only true God. 

…remember your growing family in Iran that is meeting in small home groups to worship the Messiah who was born to die and give life for many. 

…remember your family in Northern Nigeria living in daily fear of being attacked and killed because they love Jesus Christ, who came to save us from our sins.  

At this time of the year, remember your family of faith in Christ around the world.  

Yes, celebrating Christ may be dangerous but Christ is worthy to be celebrated.    

“Remember those who are in prison, as though in prison with them, 
and those who are mistreated, since you also are in the body.”  

Hebrews 13:3