It’s a simple question that produces a big, “Huh…what if?”

The obvious answer to this question is that we as Christians would be living an entirely different lifestyle. Without the birth of Christ, animal and first fruit sacrifices would still be required. We would have temples instead of churches. The whole New Testament couldn’t  exist and common day Christian living would be unthought-of.

But here’s the kicker, there are some places in the world were Christmas doesn’t exist.

An amazing mentor to me and disciple of Christ lives in such an area. He and his family are missionaries in Turkey. I recently received his newsletter and teared up at what he was relating,s in the world were Christmas doesn’t exist.

“It is definitely a different feel here since there is no Christmas celebration.  They do have “New Years” trees that are the same and there are decorations around town but it is for New Year’s celebration and not Christmas.  This has been a very reflective time for our family and our team.  Being removed from everything and everyone is extremely difficult which has caused a lot of inward & upward looking.”

The Muslim culture has no need for Christmas as Jesus is just a prophet to them; he is not the son of God. I can’t imagine the lost, unfilled feeling I would experience in a place like that during Christmas time. But the culture is unaware of what they are missing.

Have you thought what you might be missing if Jesus’ birth never happened?

During the Christmas season we sometimes celebrate it like Jesus doesn’t exist. We get caught up in the gift-giving, glamorous decorating, and time off from work and school.

Christmas becomes X-mas. The joy of birth is hindered by selfish disapproval of unwanted gifts. Families gathering in church buildings morphs into skipping out because it doesn’t fit the time frame.

What happened to the universal celebration of our Savior being born? And remembering the astonishing virgin birth of God’s only son and the life he lived to be put on the cross?

Think of the moment of Christ’s conception.

“Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God” Luke 2:13

“The child’s father and mother marveled at what was said about him.” Luke 2:33

“The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” John 1:14

I can’t imagine the glory of the birth of Christ and what it meant for the angels and God—what a celebration! They saw what was to come. We read what happened. But will we remember Christmas with the correct motives?

In the midst of pondering the question, “What if Christmas didn’t exist?” think about how you, your neighbor, and the world may be viewing it.

Let’s live with “mas Christ” (more Christ) during this Christmas season. Making Jesus more famous and ourselves more committed.

Going Deeper: What Christmas traditions are more distracting than helpful when remembering the birth of Christ? Leave your thoughts, questions, and comments below.