When my wife was a kid, she got an Easy-Bake oven for Christmas. I want to say her mom got one as a little girl for Christmas as well. We got our youngest daughter one for Christmas a few years ago and Abby Harrison gave Sara Lee and Betty Crocker a run for their money when it came to baking cakes. That 100 watt incandescent light bulb did something no LED bulb could do – bake miniature cakes! We made cookies, cakes, brownies, and may or may not have even heated up a chicken nugget or two in it. A tradition we’ve practiced since our kids were small is throwing a Happy Birthday party for Jesus on Christmas Day along with a cake, balloons, and other decorations. The year we got an Easy-Bake oven, we used it to bake a birthday cake for Jesus. That’s a memory our family will never forget.

Christmas is about Jesus’ birthday. I’m not one to argue if December 25th was the actual day Jesus was born (but it wasn’t). I am one to point out the whole world celebrates Christmas on that day, so we should make that day about Jesus’ birth and His coming to this world to save us from our sins. We should celebrate Jesus on Christmas! Ironically, the crucifixion of Christ was not “easy”. Matthew 27:32-56 and other scriptures describe the crucifixion account where Jesus was tortured, beaten, ridiculed, and he endured the shame of the cross in our place as we are guilty of sin, not Him. The story of wise men, angels, shepherds, and a manger may seem cute enough to display with plastic and ceramic figurines on our lawn and coffee table, but the reality of that story is connected to the gruesome and horrific truth of the death of Jesus. That puts Christmas into perspective. The Savior of the world has come to lay down His life for us. This is why we celebrate and sing “Happy Birthday Jesus”!

Question: How can you best celebrate on Christmas Day to convey to all in your household that Christmas is about Christ?

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stephenrharrison

Stephen and his wife Haley have called Arkansas home all of their lives. Stephen has served in several ministry roles over the last 25 years and as a lead pastor for the last 8 years. Stephen attended Williams Baptist College and earned a BA in Biblical Studies from Ouachita Baptist University, an MA, MDiv, and DMin in Christian Leadership and Pastoral Ministries from Liberty University. When not pastoring, Stephen enjoys running, cycling, reading, writing, camping, fishing, and spending time with his family.