Christmas celebrations include the usual bring your kids to sit on Santa’s lap experience, gift giving and getting, helping the less fortunate, trees, wreaths, elves and eggnog. Even Santa’s ol’ lady gets a cameo appearance in some of the stories, yet it’s hard to find Jesus in Christmas. My point is that there are more than a few celebraters who suggest they revere Jesus Christ in their own way, but what actually is that way? Why is that way such a secret?

Some folks are honestly curious about Christ. They peer into the idea of Him possibly being a crucial character in world history, but they’re not too sure the Christmas story has any realistic value.

There is also a category of persons who are convinced that the Bible is true. They may appear at church gatherings especially on Christmas and Easter, or even a couple times a month. Upon examination, there appears to be very little or sometimes no spiritual fruit developing. Unfortunately, not all who are saved are disciples, although all who are disciples are saved. Jesus’ desire is for all Christians to be committed disciples.

Jesus said, “If you continue in My word, then you are truly My disciples (John 8:31).” When our mind is filled daily with the word of God it penetrates our heart, transforming our will, actions, speech, thoughts and priorities of everyday life. These transformations are a result of commitment. Until we are committed it is impossible to be His disciple. Jesus began His ministry by making disciples out of Peter, Andrew, James and John. He ended His ministry by instructing His disciples to go make more disciples. The work of disciple-making was daily.

Throughout Jesus’ ministry He was occupied with making disciples. From start to finish He affirmed, “Follow Me.” Fully following Jesus proves we’re committed to Him, and that we truly are His disciples. Only committed Christian people are able to grasp the love, joy and hope of Christmas.

Get Yourself Committed
Pastor Huck