In all we do, we must aim towards faithfully obeying all of God’s Word. So, how does the Word command us to celebrate? Times of feasting and merry-making aren’t permission slips to tolerate just a little bit of sin. That would be like trying to make your gasoline last longer by first mixing it with water.
Scripture teaches that wine makes the heart merry (Ps. 104:15), but if you hand yourself over to it, you’ll be fighting phantoms (Pro. 23:35). Feasting is an entirely fitting way to celebrate the advent of Christ. He was born in a feeding trough and in the town called “House of Bread” after all. But gluttony really is a sin to be wary of. Gluttony, plainly put, is seen when one’s appetite has a greater grip upon you than the Spirit does. This can go in numerous directions, both towards excess of eating and in the terrified aversion to eating.
We’re commanded to not be swept off our feet by food or drink. But this doesn’t call us to adopt an ascetic vibe. Throughout Scripture we’re given instances of joyful feasting throughout Scripture, where choice portions are sent to & fro in celebration of God’s great mercies. We are new-born people. Remade people. And remade people feast without shame. They make their toasts without the itch to be lost in the sauce.
True rejoicing is only found by those who have no shame. So, then, the foundation of your Christmas celebration is the granite of Christ’s removal of your shame. Shame clouds your countenance, while God’s favor brightens it. In your celebration preparations be ready to quickly confess your sins. Additionally, ready your heart & mind to be vigilant against sin. Whether it be sins of overindulgence, or razor sharp words, sins of long-held grievances. This is how your celebration of Christmas will be truly Christian.
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