Technically, this is a question that should be asked all year round. The real spirit of Christmas is something that should come into play on a daily basis.
Citizens of Heaven
The New Living Translation of the Bible puts it another way. We should “live as citizens of Heaven.”
In Philippians chapter 1, verse 27, Paul writes, “Above all, you must live as citizens of heaven, conducting yourselves in a manner worthy of the Good News about Christ. Then, whether I come and see you again or only hear about you, I will know that you are standing side by side, fighting together for the faith, which is the Good News.”
The Real Spirit of Christmas
The definition of Christmas spirit can be found by separating and analysing the two words. Christmas is the time of year where Christ’s birth is celebrated around the world. In Philippians, Paul encourages all who belong to Christ to have a spirit of Christmas. That is, to be like the character of Christ, throughout the year.
The spirit of this is eternal, not just one day or season of the year. The call is to be of one spirit, mind or purpose: to love one another as Christ loves. The real spirit of Christmas is to be Christ-like toward others every day of the year.
“Giving, not getting, brings to full bloom the Christmas spirit. Enemies are forgiven, friends remembered, and God obeyed. The spirit of Christmas illuminates the picture window of the soul, and we look out upon the world’s busy life and become more interested in people than things. To catch the real meaning of the spirit of Christmas, we need only drop the last syllable and it becomes the Spirit of Christ.” – Thomas S. Monson
A Habitual Spirit
Having such a spirit doesn’t have to be something that is seen or noticed by everyone. It can be as simple as continuing with one’s work while the teacher’s not in the room or conducting oneself at work as if they were being watched, even while the boss is away.
Philippians chapter 2, verses 3-5 state, “Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.”
Note that these verses don’t encourage one to belittle themselves but rather to recognise the worth of others as well as oneself. The spirit of Christmas truly involves being a character with integrity, one that is selfless and humble and above all, loves. This is the Spirit of Christ that one should strive for, day in, day out.
Sources
What is the Real Spirit of Christmas
Chris Thomas - C. Thomas has studied and worked with horses since 2001. She teaches horse studies part time and is undertaking an Equine Science ...
Join the Conversation