A Christian’s Guide to the Holidays

We've all heard the holiday rule: never discuss politics or religion. But when it comes to faith, is staying silent really the best option? I’d say the politics part is up to your personal judgment, but the idea of not talking about religion with your family? That’s just silly—or, to be more frank, it’s unbiblical.

Now, to be clear, I’m not saying Christians should be pushy, obnoxious, judgmental, or condemning, nor that we should dominate family discussions with non-stop Bible verses. Not only is this annoying, but it actually damages the witness of Christ. Hopefully, that much is obvious! But this doesn’t mean silence is the only alternative.

Remember when Jesus delivered the man in Mark 5:1–20 who was possessed by a legion of demons? After being set free and restored to his right mind, the man understandably wanted to go with Jesus. To be fair, I think we’d all want to do the same thing—I know I would! Yet Jesus didn’t allow it.

Instead, Jesus suggested, “Go home to your friends, blend in quietly so you don’t offend anyone, and let’s hope they get saved someday…” Oh, wait—that was a typo. My bad! He actually requested of the man, “Go home and don’t worry about saying anything; just live by example and let your life do all the talking!” Okay, okay… I’m not trying to be facetious, just making a clear point.

In all seriousness, Jesus commanded him: “Go home to your friends, and tell them what great things the Lord has done for you, and how He has had compassion on you.” (v. 19)

How did the man respond? Did he pout, complain, gossip, or disobey? Did he claim he was an introvert and not qualified? Did he make excuses, saying his family wasn’t ready for the “J-bomb” yet? Did he petition Jesus with reasons this approach could cause problems, arguing it wasn’t culturally appropriate for the Decapolis—a Roman-occupied, polytheistic region?

No, no, and no. Mark tells us exactly what he did: “He departed and began to proclaim in Decapolis all that Jesus had done for him; and all marveled.” (v. 20) Talk about immediate obedience! Demon Danny turned into Decapolis Danny—what a transformation!

What can we learn from Decapolis Danny, and how can we apply his radical example to our own situations during the holidays? Let’s look at three lessons:

1. Danny was courageously obedient.
   This guy was literally naked, homeless, possessed, cut up, out of his mind, and living in a graveyard—not the most glamorous history. Yet he was unconcerned about his reputation. He cared far more about obeying the One who saved him. May we, too, be courageously obedient.

2. Danny told his story.
   He didn’t tell the story of Peter, James, or John—he told his own story of what Jesus had done in his life. Friend, your story is significant and powerful. You’d be shocked to see how your testimony impacts others. Be unashamed of what Jesus has done for you.

3. Danny told his [entire] story.
   Notice in verse 20 how he proclaimed all that Jesus had done for him. He didn’t just say, “Yeah, I was in rough shape, but God changed my life!” Nor did he vaguely share, “Well, I had issues here and there, but the Big Man upstairs helped me out a bit…” No way, José! Dan the Man told everyone who would listen everything Jesus did for him!

   I imagine someone asking, “Wait, Danny so you’re telling me you had a demon inside of you??” And I can hear Danny replying with a twinkle in his eye, “Oh no! It was waaay worse than that, bro. I had a legion of demons inside me, but they were no match for Jesus!”

   This reminds me of what the Apostle Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 12:9: “So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me.” (NLT) Share your entire story, and let God do the rest.

This holiday season, I’m begging you—on behalf of the apostles of the early Church, the martyrs who’ve gone before us, and more than anyone Jesus Himself —be unashamed of the gospel with your family. Be courteous, understanding, gentle, patient, and listen more than you speak. But do, in fact, speak, and make your words count.

Jesus commanded us to “let [our] light so shine before men, that they may see [our] good works and glorify [our] Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16) The word “let” implies we have a choice: live out loud or remain silent. I pray we all boldly choose the former and reject the latter.

“Go home to your friends, and tell them what great things the Lord has done for you, and how He has had compassion on you.” Mark 5:19

God bless you and your family this holiday season!

-Jake