It doesn’t seem to matter that over 85% of Americans say that they are Christians. It seems that the minority rules. America, unlike most countries, espouses religious freedom. But there seems to be a growing bias against Christians in America.

Being offended at Christmas or anything to do with it is not new. It was prophesied even before Christ was born that there would be a plot to kill the babe of Christmas. (Jeremiah 31:15) Wicked King Herod was the devil inspired tyrant who ordered the death of innocent babies in Bethlehem in his endeavor to stamp out the Christ of Christmas. (Matthew 2:16)

In places that he cannot outright stamp out Christmas, the devil has tried to secularize or silence it. Just make it a benign “holiday”. But a true “holiday” is a “holy” day. People were created to worship. Man will worship something or someone. It’s in our nature. Don’t allow the diabolical grinch to steal Christmas from you. This year put Christ back in Christmas. Without Christ there is no Christmas. Remember that Christmas is not the gifts you give or receive, but Christmas is about the GIVER – GOD and the gift that He gave – CHRIST, His only begotten Son. (John 3:16)

When God is about to do something significant, He reveals it to His servants. (Amos 3:7) Why? So they can pray and participate in His plan in some way. Before Christ was born, God sent the angel Gabriel to reveal to Zacharias, the priest, and his wife Elizabeth, that they would give birth in their old age to the forerunner of Christ – John the Baptist. Just as God prepared them for the coming of Christ, we can find scriptural principles to help us put Christ back in Christmas this year. Make this Christmas a true holy-day full of joy and gladness. (Luke 1)

First – PREPARE for Christmas. If we would spend as much time in preparing our hearts as many people spend putting up decorations, baking, and buying gifts, we would put Christ back in Christmas and experience a truly Merry Christmas. Both Zacharias and Elizabeth were “righteous in the sight of God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and requirements of the Lord” (Luke 1:6). They had a heart for God and walked the talk. Examine your heart. Are you right with God?

Second – PROVIDED A MIRACLE. Both were beyond child bearing years. (Luke 1:7) But with God it’s never too late for a promised miracle. Christmas is a time for miracles, if you will believe and receive God’s promises.

Third – the PROVIDENCE of God over rides impossibilities and the pride of man. God is sovereign and involved in His creation. Zacharias was chosen by lot to be the one to enter the “Holy of Holies” to offer incense to God in worship. (Luke 1:9) With God and His children there are no accidents or coincidences. God directs. Trust God’s providential happenings in your life. (Luke 1:20; Romans 8:28) Expect a God happening.

Fourth – PRAYER will put you in the position to put Christ back in your Christmas. Don’t get too busy to really pray and seek God. The incense offered to God was a type or symbol of worship and prayer. (Revelation 5:8) All the people stood outside the temple with Zacharias. (Luke 1:9-1, 13) An old prophetess, Anna, was given the privilege of seeing the Christ of Christmas before she died, because she was a women of prayer. (Luke 2:36) Pray for a fresh revelation of Christ this Christmas.

Fifth – the PROMISE of joy and gladness can be yours when you put Christ back in Christmas. “And you will have joy and gladness” (Luke 2:14). Like Zacharias, Elizabeth, and John the Baptist we can participate in Christmas by proclaiming Christ Jesus as Savior and Lord to a world in darkness and despair.

Sixth – PREPARE the way of Christ this Christmas by repentance from sin and selfishness. John the Baptist became the “forerunner” of Christ to “turn the hearts of the fathers back to the children and the disobedient to the attitude of the righteous; so as to make ready a people prepared for the Lord” (Luke 1:17 NASV). Is your heart prepared for the Christ of Christmas? Repent and put Christ in your Christmas by receiving Him into your heart by faith.

As the old Christmas carol “Joy to the World” urges us, “let every heart prepare Him room”

“For as many as received Him gave He the power to become sons of God even as many as believed in His name” (John1:12).