The Christmas season offers so many opportunities to lift up our faith to a world that doesn’t understand it but at least appreciates our Christmas story.

We can say “Merry Christmas” instead of “Happy holidays.” We can wish someone a “blessed day” instead of a “good day.” We can decorate our homes, send our cards, post on social media, and prioritize our time with the goal of celebrating Christ with those we know. Peter taught that we should “honor Christ the Lord as holy.” I think Peter would encourage us to do that by keeping our Christmas celebrations “holy” as well.

Peter also taught that we should always be “prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks.” If you make it a goal to lift up the name of Christ, you will at some point be asked why you believe. If you are open about your faith, people will expect you to be faithful to Christ. Most people are looking for the hope we have, even if they don’t realize that our hope is in Christ. Are you ready to answer their questions and lead them to meet the baby of Bethlehem who was and is the King of kings?

Some of the world’s ideas about celebrating Christmas can seem pointless, absurd, and even offensive. Peter would encourage us to share the truth about Christmas with words and an attitude of “gentleness and respect.” Even when we aren’t given that same respect from others, we remember our accountability is to the Lord himself. Sharing the good news of Christ isn’t a debate; it is a delivery. We don’t hand them an argument for Christmas; we give them a gift from God.

If Jesus would leave the glory of heaven to be born in a humble stable, we can lay aside our personal “rights” in order to be righteous. Jesus deserves our humble service, and we should be prepared wherever we go to be his Presence, his voice, and his love through the power of his Holy Spirit. 

Wisdom is understanding that the gift of Jesus is our treasure. Wisdom is being prepared and ready to share our treasure with gentleness and respect every time we are given the opportunity.