The world loves to focus on Christmas and the world knows it is celebrated because Jesus was born. Yes, there are other holidays celebrated now for those who don’t believe in Jesus, but everyone and I mean everyone knows that Christmas is Jesus’ birthday. That is also the problem, everyone knows it is Jesus’ birth, but what about the rest of the story? Without the Easter story then Jesus’ birthday at Christmas means absolutely nothing.

 

We need to take advantage of the fact that everyone knows this holiday is because Jesus was born. We need do our best Paul Harvey impression and tell, “the rest of the story.” Jesus was born to die, and not just die, but die in their place to pay for their sins, and then not stay dead, but come back to life to defeat death for all of us so we could live forever in heaven. That is the whole message that needs to be proclaimed at Christmas.

 

At Christmas we do a fantastic job of retelling Jesus’ birth. We have nativity scenes, we have Christmas plays and cantatas, candlelight services, and so much more. If you ask someone to be a part of these most will say yes and consider it an honor. People will show up for these, especially the ones the kids put on whether they are good or not just because their kids or grandkids are in it.

 

The problem is at Christmas the story stops once Jesus has been born. We let people leave without telling them the best part, the why Jesus was born. Tell the rest of the story. People need to hear the Real Good News!

 

Which story is more important? They both are equally important. You cannot have Christmas without Easter and you also can’t have Easter without Christmas. The solution is we need to share both stories with the same vigor.

 

The world loves Christmas. Easter not so much. Which is more celebrated, Easter or Christmas? Christmas is by and far. People think about Christmas all year round. There are even Christmas stores open 365 days a year. Have you ever heard of an Easter store? At Easter do you see people having parties, decorations, lights, pageants? Nothing anywhere close to Christmas. At Christmas time you have so many more gifts given than at Easter as well. Stores don’t count on Easter to save their bottom line. For those of you who work, have you ever heard of an Easter Bonus? Nope, but it sure would be nice to have one. Christmas lasts pretty much for a whole month from Thanksgiving till December 25th, Easter just for a few days.

Christmas is wonderful, don’t get me wrong, just do not forget to tell the whole story! People already know it is about Jesus’ birthday, why not go all the way and tell them the rest of the story. They could then accept the best gift of all, Romans 6:23, the gift of eternal life paid for by Jesus Himself!

 

The sad thing is that the entire world does not celebrate Easter, but the Good News is the entire world does celebrate Christmas. This is a wonderful opportunity, use it! Tell the ones you love and care about the whole story of Jesus. You can start by telling them about the birth of Jesus, but then when Jesus is born, do not stop there but go, “BUT THERE IS MORE SO MUCH MORE!” and tell them the rest of the story. Then they will see why this birthday is so important.

 

Merry Christmas and Happy Easter! He is Risen Indeed!

 

Remember Jesus loves you, I love you, and you are awesome!