For many, December 25 represents the joy of children receiving presents, great food and time with family and friends.

We do crazy things like string lights around our houses and erect giant evergreens in our living room. Offices have parties, and churches have candlelight services. We sing carols, go on sleigh rides and roast chestnuts over open fires. No other time of year do we embrace such tradition and revelry.

But not everyone enjoys Christmas.

To many others, the holiday season is a reminder of the cruelty of life. Tens of thousands of homeless Americans will spend Christmas alone. Many impoverished children will have nothing to eat. Divorce and domestic abuse mean that for some families, the season will be anything but jolly. The truth is that while we wish everyone would have a very merry Christmas, a great many people will only suffer through the season.

Like most pastors, I remind my flock every year about the reason for the season, namely that Christmas is a time to remember that God came into the world as a human being so that He might become a Savior to all people. But even these words ring hollow in the ears of those who can’t find enough to eat or fix a life in shambles. “Where’s the good news in a story about a man who died two thousand years ago?” they ask.

I want you to remember something this holiday season: The gospel should be good news to everybody. You can’t talk to the poor and the hungry about the sweet-by-and-by while they’re suffering in the nasty here-and-now. In Luke 4:18, Jesus declares, “He anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor. He has sent Me to proclaim release to the captives, and recovery of sight to the blind, to set free those who are oppressed…” He then proceeded to do the very things He proclaimed. He healed the sick, restored sight to the blind and fed the hungry. Before He talked to the people about how He was the Bread of Life, Jesus took the time to feed thousands of people with a few loaves and fishes. Jesus’ gospel is both spiritual and social; it’s both now and not yet. For the people who are hurting the most, the intensity of their present pain prevents them from hearing about the future hope.

Christians are called to spread that gospel, which means not only are we to tell the world the story of Jesus Christ, but we are to offer care for the needy and oppressed along the way. We are to do our part in easing the burden of the oppressed in our communities. As we are able, we should assist in restoring broken relationships, feeding the hungry, housing the homeless and loving the downtrodden. As we learn to love in the same manner as our Lord, the message of Christmas can have special meaning for everyone, not just for a fortunate few. While we should declare the future hope of Christmas, we must also bring the present hope of the season to those who need it most.

Testimony Time

“God speaks to me through you every time I listen to you preach. Sometimes it cuts like a knife, but I need to hear it! You are a blessing to so many people, brother Evans.” 

“Once again, Tony, you have spoken the words of the Father to me today 'like apples of gold.'”

“Love the Tony Evans app.”   

“Tony Evans, you are an amazing pastor! I have listened to you on the radio and have read your books for years. Thank you, and God bless you.”