Not much has changed since Joseph and Mary were turned away from the inn at Bethlehem. As the annual celebration of his birth approaches, modern society has little space for Jesus. Secular society goes out of its way to avoid even using the term “Christmas.” An observation of this present age clearly reveals there’s still no room for Jesus in three arenas:

1. In Public Life

It’s very sad to witness the egregious expulsion of Christ from American public life. We’re so worried about offending people while no one seems to care about offending the God who made us. I came across the following politically correct holiday greeting:

Best wishes for an environmentally conscious, socially responsible, low stress, non-addictive, gender neutral, winter solstice, practiced within the most joyous traditions of the religious persuasion of your choice, but with respect for the religious persuasion of others who choose to practice their own religion as well as those who choose not to practice a religion at all; plus a fiscally successful, personally fulfilling, and medically uncomplicated recognition of the generally accepted calendar year 2023, but not without due respect for the calendars of choice of the other cultures whose contributions have helped make our society great, without regards to the race, creed, color, religious, or sexual preferences of the wishers.

[Disclaimer] This greeting is subject to clarification or withdrawal. It implies no promise by the wisher to actually implement any of the above wishes for him or herself or others and responsibility for any unintended emotional stress these greetings may bring to those not caught up in the holiday spirit.

2. In Mainstream Religion

Today there are millions whose religious gatherings are nothing more than glorified social clubs and mutual admiration societies. In a church where I was conducting a wedding ceremony, I found a copy of its doctrinal statement. Jesus was never mentioned! It was basically a menu of social justice issues. In many mainstream churches, truth is sacrificed on the altar of social acceptance. As is often the case, even ministers and religious leaders lead perverse and unbiblical lifestyles.

It’s time for another reformation. Oh that Jesus would once again overturn the tables of the moneychangers and drive out those who use religion for personal gain. Let the Lord’s scourge fall upon the backs of those who peddle the prosperity gospel and sell a bill of goods to the ignorant. Jesus often stands outside mainstream religion and is barred entrance to houses of so-called worship.

3. In Private Lives

I’m not trying to be a scrooge here, but the question needs to be asked: do we love our celebration more than the one we’re celebrating? How many Christians find time to do what they want to do, to indulge themselves in Christmas festivities, but fail to take time in their private lives to make room for Jesus.

Do we get so caught up in the all the hubbub of the holidays that we neglect our own personal time with the Lord. Do we neglect our concern for others, our service within the body of Christ? During this season, does Jesus find a warm welcome in your private life? Do you spend time with him in his word and prayer? His message to the lukewarm church in Laodicea is still relevant today: “Behold, I stand at the door and knock, if anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him and he with me.” (Revelation 3:20)