“This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed.” – John 3:19-20

For quite some time in America, we have been experiencing a war on Christmas. We love to celebrate the holiday, and we love the parties and consumerism that comes with it. However, we talk about the true meaning of Christmas less and less each year. In fact, in some places it has become offensive or even illegal to say “Merry Christmas.” Why is this? How in the world could the incredible news of Jesus, His birth, and His Salvation for all mankind be anything but joyful? John 3:19-20 explains exactly why this phenomenon exists. Light has come into the world in the form of Jesus Christ, but our deeds have been evil…all of us have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. In the darkness we can hide our evil deeds, but when light comes, everything is revealed. Those of us who are in Christ understand the incredible beauty of having our sins forgiven, but we often forget the pain of having our evil revealed. Those who are outside of Christ must first step into the light and have their sin revealed before they can be healed of it. So we, as Christians, must understand that the message of Jesus, especially at this time of year, will be difficult for many to hear. But we must also understand that Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life, and no one comes to Father except through Him. So this Christmas season, do not be afraid to speak the truth in love, because those we love must know this Truth. Only this Truth will set them free.