Holidays

What Christmas Look Like

by Vernita Simmons
12/25/23
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Watching the timeless film Christmas with a Capital C inspired me to write this Christmas devotional. The purpose of the movie was to show others what Christmas looks like. When a successful attorney, Mitch Bright (Daniel Baldwin), returns to his small hometown in Alaska, the first thing is he runs into the Reed brothers, Dan (Ted McGinley) and Greg (Brad Stein). Within no time, he starts an injunction to stop the display of their Christmas nativity scene in the town hall. Dan is building a new platform for their glorious display with city money and on the city’s property. Likewise, Dan is married to Kristen (Nancy Stafford), whom Ted and Dan liked in high school. 

Then, Ted decides to run for mayor against his rival, Dan. Dan has been a major for years, and Trapper Falls is doing well. Both the Redd brothers and Kristen are Christians, so Mitch accuses him of trying to force his beliefs on everybody. He has a way with words and is charming. Soon, He convinces many he would bring more business to the town. It sounds rational, and people soon abandon putting up Merry Christmas and replace it with Happy Holidays. Dan and Kristen have two children, a son, Cody, who is in a ski competition with a girl for the upcoming Christmas race. And their daughter, Makayla, is looking forward to playing an angel in the Christmas pageant. It would be her first time doing so.    

Things take an unexpected turn when the judge rules in favor of Mitch to remove the nativity scene. Dan and Kristen consulted with their pastor and the town to address the decision. Kristen reminds people that the true essence of Christmas is not only about the nativity. Their pastor agreed, and they decided to start acting like Christmas with a Capital C. They even reach out to the town in practical and helpful ways. Their actions have a ripple effect and affect everybody profoundly. But will it touch the heart of Mitch? Well, watch the film and discover what Christmas is all about.    

Like Mitch, many have forgotten the true meaning of Christmas. They do not realize the reason for the season. Is it about receiving gifts or giving with no expectations of a gift? Is it merely for decorating the trees, communities competing to see whose house looks best with their glittering lights and displays? Or is it more about being Christ-like in our attitudes, behavior, and conversations? Is Christmas gathering with family and friends to feast on a delicious meal? Or making sure the least of these receive a yummy meal? Is it about the nativity scene or the birth of Jesus, Savior of the world? What does Christmas mean to you? When you enter a business, will you say Happy Holidays or Merry Christmas?

Is it even necessary to display a nativity scene to represent Christmas, or do you represent Jesus with what is in your heart? Do we need to present a Christmas play to tell the story of His birth? Or would it be enough to tell the story by living more like Christ in practical and thoughtful ways? Beloved, it would be helping someone you would not help because they hurt you. It could be volunteering your service at a soup kitchen even when it is not a holiday. Perhaps, you could help reconcile a relationship that is broken. Besides, somebody must take the first step to do this, and if not you, who? It might be visiting those in prison or Assisted Living facilities and bringing Christmas to them since they may not get to spend time with their friends and loved ones. Be to the least of these what Jesus Christ is to you. (Matthew 25:40-45).

Because of a severe virus, I have been home for two weeks and will not celebrate Christmas with my family. Though I feel much better, I still need my strength back. Still, I will have a wonderful Christmas because, throughout this year, others have touched my life in practical ways, while asking for nothing in return. My friends have been calling to check on me. My daughter calls me and makes me laugh. Others have blessed me with something I needed, and I did not ask them to bring me. They just asked, do you need anything? Still, another dear friend did not ask. He did something that helped me so I did not have to ride this out on my own. Sweet Jesus! They all left behind a residue of God’s love.    

These acts of kindness are what Christmas is all about. It is helping others in their times of need. It is doing something for someone, though they never asked for help. It is not allowing our differences to divide us. It is being kind and thoughtful when the world is angry and bitter. Christmas means showing everyone what Christmas is like through how you treat others. I pray my story stirs your heart, and I invite you and your family to watch this classic movie. It will leave you with a profound hunger in your heart to be Christmas with a Capital “C.” 

Be to the one you do not like; what the loving Savior is to you. Be Christmas to the person you cannot forgive, and show them the example of forgiveness Christ showed while on the cross as he said, Father, forgive them for they know not what they do. (Luke 23:34, ESV). Be to the stranger you pass on the street a kind word of encouragement and a beacon of light. Be to the family experiencing a hard time, the answer to their prayers. There are countless ways to show others what Christmas looks like. It is all about Jesus because He is the reason for the season. His birth brought us redemption, salvation, and hope. At a time when the world was facing social unrest, political upheaval, and an uncertain future, Christ was born. The world was never the same because His birth was the best gift ever. And He is Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6, AMP).