Sharing Jesus' Gifts Through Our Writing

by Tim Suddeth @TimSuddeth

What is it about the Christmas season that makes our culture more open to sharing the love and magic of Christ?

I know. I’ve heard a zillion times how our culture has highjacked Christmas. They’ve taken the meaning of Christmas and made it a marketing ploy instead of truly focusing on Christ. You would think Christmas was made to get us to look at the sales in the stores instead of the baby in a manger.

I’ll admit, it’s easy for the true miracle of Christmas to get lost in the hustle and bustle of the season. We may lose sight of the substance of Christmas for the glitter. But it’s there. It might be hidden behind the Grinch and the fourteen-foot Santa Claus. But if you peer into the shadows in the corner, you’ll see a drummer boy and a manger. The True reason for the season still shows through—in the nativities, in the stars on the trees, in the music, and in the gifts from stranger to stranger.

Why is Christmas so important? Not just to the church, or to people who loudly profess their faith, but also to so many people who don’t normally call attention to themselves. Why is it that at Christmas, the charities, and the nonprofits get their biggest number of donations? That in this season we want to help out our neighbors?

Because through many of the trappings, the traditions, and the stories of the Christmas season, we see three of the gifts that Christ gives us—peace despite adversity, hope for a future, and undeserved, redeeming love. And although most of us cannot put our craving for these gifts into words, they can still be found in the center of our hearts.

That is why Christmas is so special. Even to those who have not yet met Christ or professed their faith in Him, they still feel a shadow of what He promises. And even that shadow they share with others they find worth celebrating.

That is why our roles as Christian writers are so important. Our stories illustrate these gifts from God and how they are meant for us. His gifts aren’t for just the worthy, but for everyone. The whosoevers.

And the need for His gifts doesn’t go away when we take our lights down off our trees. Often, it’s after the holidays when the Christmas cheer is needed the most. Our need for His peace, hope, and love lasts the entire year. (Maybe Hallmark has a point with Christmas in July.)

Whether we write for the general or Christian market, we have the opportunity to implant Christ’s gifts in our stories. No matter the genre or platform, our readers and listeners need what only Christ can provide. Even if they haven’t recognized it yet.

One of my desires for my books, which are mysteries for the general market, is that they will show my readers there is hope in this dark world. That although we might only see the chaos, behind the scenes, the Puppeteer is in control.

It’s funny. Even though we lose sight of our Lord, it’s easy to see His greatness. We need only to step outside and look up. Or listen to someone tell how He has impacted their lives—whether they have followed God most of their ninety years or have recently received Him. God is still active in our world and hasn’t closed up shop.

It’s an incredible gift and responsibility that God has given His writers. (That makes four gifts so far.) Through our words and stories, whether written or spoken, He shares His words and gifts with people.

After the holidays, in our lives and stories, let’s not take His light down. Let’s keep it high where everyone can see it.

I want to take this time to wish y’all a very merry and Christ-focused Christmas. And in the comments, I would love for you to leave which tradition is dearest to you this season. And thank you for allowing me another year of sharing my journey with you.

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Sharing Jesus' Gifts Through Our Writing from @TimSuddeth on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)

Tim Suddeth is a stay-at-home dad and butler for his wonderful, adult son with autism. He has written numerous blogs posts, short stories, and three novels waiting for publication. He is a frequent attendee at writers conferences, including the Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writers Conference and a member of Word Weavers and ACFW. He lives near Greenville, SC where he shares a house with a bossy Shorky and three too-curious Persians. You can find him on Facebook and Twitter, as well as at www.timingreenville.com and www.openingamystery.com.