Christmas - what is it all about

What are you doing to celebrate Christmas this year? Does it involve going to any kind of christian celebration or worship?
It seems every day the media has a new story about how schools, councils, etc are banning christian celebrations this year. Their aim is to not upset/offend people of other faiths. I could go on about how people of other faiths find it ridiculous that in a 'christian' country we ban our own festivals and celebrations. Could you imagine Ramadan being banned by a school in Pakistan to avoid upsetting children from christian families?? Yet as a christian I am not at all surprised. Is it a big deal? The Bible teaches that we should expect persecution. In fact, are believers really being denied their rights to celebrate this festival? We are extremely fortunate here in the UK. To find out what real persecution is visit http://www.barnabasfund.org/. Here you will read some harrowing stories and really understand what persecution is.
I believe it is just another symptom of the general atmosphere currently within the UK. It seems that many people walk on egg shells around most religions except Christianity. I have already said that we should expect this - but should we accept it?
I see it as an opportunity to stand up and tell people about my faith? My reaction should be as Christ's would be: to tell people the truth and point them to God's word and God himself in love (i.e. to do what is best for them regardless of the consequences for me). To remind people why we celebrate Christmas at all:
John 3:16 For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.

Whilst unwrapping presents, eating too much turkey and spending time with loved ones, I urge you to consider one of these two things;
1. If you are not a believer - look beyond the Christmas glitz and consider the consequences of continuing to reject God and His gift of salvation to us.
2. if you are a believer - make some time to remember your brothers and sisters in Christ who suffer persecution around the world and thank God for the opportunities we have to proclaim His Gospel here in the UK.

To each and every one of you - enjoy Christmas. It is a time of celebration and thanksgiving.
Wayne