Distractions: Let Christmas Replace Politics In Our National Discourse

We have come through a tumultuous political season. For too many months, discussions about Trump and Clinton dominated our conversations—often accompanied with a great deal of apprehension, disagreement, and anger. This was a year like none other. Even now, with the election behind us, we know the inauguration of the new administration in January will bring with it more politics, more buzz, and more division.

Now, though, the Christmas season is upon us.

How do we make the mental transition from politics to give our full attention to Christ, the One who rules in righteousness, the One to whom all glory and praise should be directed? Hopefully, the Christmas season will turn our focus back to what is truly important, permanent, and worthy of our devotion. We need to remind ourselves of who was actually laid in that manger in Bethlehem. That baby was the Son of God, the Eternal Word, the Lord.

We must thank God for the Christmas season and all that it represents, as it helps us separate the temporal and the eternal. In that light, let’s take a moment to cut through the political jargon and contrast our politicians with Christ.

Our politicians live and die; Christ is eternal. In the midst of our own political wrangling, remember that our presidents rule for four or perhaps eight years, then fade from the scene. As King, Jesus will reign forever.

The Father says of the Son, “Your throne, O God, is forever and ever, the scepter of uprightness is the scepter of your kingdom” (Hebrews 1:8 ESV). And of His kingdom there will be no end (Luke 1:33).

Our politicians have limited power; Christ is Almighty. During the political campaign, the candidates made extravagant promises. At times they spoke as if they had unlimited power to enact laws and bring prosperity to us all. These “delusions of grandeur” will prove to be false. Only Jesus is God; He is not just applying for the job.

“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me” (Matthew 28:18).

Our politicians claim to be able to exercise both justice and mercy. Jesus will do that in perfect balance. Here is a promise you can count on:

“He will bring forth justice to the nations…a bruised reed he will not break, and a faintly burning wick he will not quench; he will faithfully bring forth justice. He will not grow faint or be discouraged till he has established justice in the earth; and the coastlands wait for his law” (Isaiah 42:1b, 3–4).

Christ is the perfect politician. He is worthy not just of a vote, but of our worship!

“Worthy are you to take the scroll and to open its seals, for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation, and you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God, and they shall reign on the earth” (Revelation 5:9, 10).

Now that we have cast our votes for our preferred political candidates, there is nothing we can do about the outcome. Let us resolve to pray for our new leadership, and turn our attention to those who need to become acquainted with the baby in the manger. Christmas is the easiest time of year to build bridges in order to help our neighbors, coworkers, and relatives better understand who Jesus is and why He came.

Let Bethlehem outshine Washington…and let the worship of Jesus transcend the January inauguration.

Sharing the One Gift that Matters Most

Christmas is a natural time to share our faith in Christ…but sometimes our own fears and feelings stand in the way. Pastor Lutzer shares some easy-to-use tips to help you overcome obstacles, and give the good news of Christmas to people around you who need to hear it.

Q: Christmas is a relatively easy time to share our faith. Why don’t more Christians take advantage of the openness to the Christian message during this special season?

A: I used to answer that question by saying they didn’t know enough—they were intimidated, thinking they’d be asked questions they wouldn’t know how to answer. However, I don’t think that is the primary reason. The deeper reason is many Christians are living a defeated Christian life: they are in the midst of a bad marriage, or perhaps they suffer from an addiction or whatever else might trouble their conscience. So they think to themselves, “Who am I to share Christ with someone when I’m not proving His reality in my own life?” When we’ve lost our joy, we’ve lost our confidence in witnessing.

Q: You often give examples of witnessing on a plane or even in casual conversation in a store. How do you connect with people so quickly in sharing the Gospel?

A: First, I’ve found that if we are open to sharing our faith, God often opens the door! I’ll ask a question or make a leading comment that the person I’m witnessing to will pick up on. I’m amazed at how often this transition happens naturally. A bridge to the Gospel is quickly built if we are open to God’s leading.

Second, I’ve found it helpful to share my faith by asking questions—trying to find out where others are on their spiritual journey. We must invite discussion and listen carefully to what they are thinking about God, religion, and Jesus in particular.

Here are some questions I’ve often used to begin a spiritual conversation:

• Where are you on your spiritual journey?
• How much adult consideration have you given to the Bible?
• How do you understand the idea of God?
• What has been your experience, if any, with Christianity?
• Would you mind if I were to share with you something someone once shared with me that changed my life?

Of course there are other questions that would be helpful. But we never want to share Christ without first kindly learning where people are at on their spiritual radar. We simply have to return to the practice of Jesus in the Gospels, who conversed with those around Him by asking questions.

Q: Any ideas for sharing Christ especially at Christmas?

A: Most important, build a relationship of friendliness and trust with your friends, relatives, and co-workers. Hopefully, this is happening throughout the whole year. At Christmas invite them over and give them a thoughtful gift that will point them to the true meaning of Christmas. You might want to ask them about their favorite Christmas memory, or what Christmas means to them. Then give your testimony of what Christmas means to you. The Holy Spirit will be pleased to take your witness and sow seeds in their hearts that might germinate at a later time.

Q: What do you say to the person who says, “I’ve worked in the same office for ten years and no one knows I’m a Christian. For me to begin a conversation about the Gospel now would make me very uncomfortable.

A: Good question. And it is even more difficult if that Christian hasn’t lived like a Christian for those ten years! But here is the answer: that Christian should talk to a co-worker one on one and say, “you know, I’m sorry I failed you…I am a Christian but I haven’t lived like one. I haven’t shared with you by my life and by my lips the one message that means most to me.” And then they can proceed to share their testimony.