By Although as Christians we might appreciate a sound theological song being played over secular radio during Christmas, we, and even so the world, recognise that the average Christmas celebration has very little “Christ” left in it. The world loves the occasion for celebration, but give as little thought to Christ as they did the rest of the year. “Christmas is worldly” is sadly true in many ways.
But, as with all things worldly, it is not the external things that make Christmas worldly. Christmas is made worldly, not by the people in the world, but by the sinful part in the desires of those people—and that can be said about Christians too. We practise a worldly Christmas when we sin in our hearts, and thereby in our actions.
Giving and receiving gifts is a wonderful practice of generosity and thanksgiving, but becomes worldly when accompanied by jealousy. Putting up lights and colourful decorations can be a lovely family activity, or it can be a worldly activity if done with quarrelling. Preparing, serving, and enjoying a lavish meal is certainly a gift from the Lord but it is made worldly when eaten with a lack of gratitude and a lack of self-control.
Gifts, decorations, lights, trees, food, cake, and chocolate do not make Christmas worldly. Sin makes Christmas worldly. Abstinence from gifts, decorations, lights, trees, food, cake, and chocolate does not make Christmas godly. Righteousness makes Christmas godly. Whether then you practise certain Christmas traditions, or do not, do all to the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31).
2 Corinthians 6 is about being separate from the world because God dwells with us. Then, in 2 Corinthians 7:1 the method of cleansing ourselves from worldliness is explained in these words:
Since we have these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit, bringing holiness to completion in the fear of God.
Bring holiness to completion in all your December activities. Let us be a light of holiness in an unholy world.