"Spiritual Opportunities"

Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity.
Colossians 4:5

Should we claim or abstain from the many activities during the Christmas season?  How should we act toward believers and unbelievers in Christ?  Are we making the most of every spiritual opportunity that our Lord is placing at our feet?  While most of us dislike some of the uses and abuses that surround Christmas, are there some opportunities to share and show our Savior to the people that are not always available the rest of the year?

First, the Christmas season brings forth a public advertisement and affirmation of faith in Jesus Christ.  At this time of the year, Jesus receives more attention in sermons and speeches, in carols and songs, in newspapers and magazines, in movies and television specials, in giving and living.  Imagine what it would cost Christ's Church to direct and focus the attention of the world on Jesus that comes free of charge as a result of the Christmas holiday.  While it is true that some preaching comes from materialistic or misguided motives, what does it matter?  The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached.  And because of this, I rejoice.  (Philippians 1:15-18)

Second, God's gift of His Son, Jesus Christ, to the world, remembered during the Christmas season, inspires and encourages an expression of generosity and compassion that is unparalleled at any other time of the year.  Remembering Jesus seems to bring out the best in the human spirit and moves us to reach out and help the less fortunate and strengthen our family ties.  For a moment, because of the remembering of Jesus, the world is a warmer and nicer place to live.  What a blessing it is for the world to have their hearts and attention focused on doing good that is the way of life for the believer in Christ (see Galatians 6:10).

Third, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men."  At least once a year the world remembers Jesus.  For a short time, in the midst of wars and hostilities between one another, some remember that Jesus is the only answer to the problems of life that torment and test them.  Perhaps this annual renewal and longing for peace and the presence of Jesus will fill the thinking of the world to the point of overflowing and saturating some souls with a desire for salvation in Jesus (see Colossians 3:15).

Are we welcoming and receiving those souls who just happened to be moved by all of this talk about Jesus?  What do you suppose would happen if the season's spiritual breezes continued to blow throughout all of next year?