Published on November 26, 2023, 6:20 am

Engaging with an extensive family around the holidays can often result in gatherings dominated more by obligation than celebration. If you identify with this feeling, it may resonate with memories of childhood Thanksgiving dinners, where you counted down moments to the end of the event. This discourse highlights an experience shared by many who prefer celebrating holidays strictly within their immediate family, a setting where individuals are aware and respectful of boundaries.

However, for those involved in large families via marriage or other familial ties that commemorate holidays collectively, confrontation is inherent. These festivities may include opinionated cousins spearheading political debates and newly minted college grads espousing progressive ideologies. It is especially difficult when these young adults, raised sharing Christian values, bring new social perspectives like defending drag queen story times during such intimate gatherings.

Bringing divisive topics to festive occasions can make one question how fellow Christians may have assimilated worldly ideologies so easily. For instance, your aunt who had nurtured faith in church might propagate the feminist movement today, refusing to recognize abortion as an act of violence. Equally troubling could be encountering defenses for same-sex marriages or gender-neutral public restrooms that pose potential threats to safety.

It’s perplexing to witness these shifts among those claiming to embrace a Christian worldview while aligning themselves with worldly thinking simultaneously. It reminds us that following Christ’s footsteps involves being reborn with our rationalizations transformed and renewed by Gospel teachings.

Apostle Paul offers valuable advice on reconciling religious beliefs amid these contradictions: “But now I am writing to you not to associate with anyone who bears the name of brother if he is guilty of sexual immorality or greed…not even to eat with such a one.” (1 Corinthians 5:22). This guidance discourages participation in celebrations featuring controversial speakers promoting ideologies contrary to Christian beliefs.

Being considerate doesn’t mean ceasing interactions but prioritizing exposure of these individuals towards Gospel principles through sessions meant for worship and thanksgiving to God. When false converts are invited to be part of these prayer sessions, it gives them an incorrect impression that everyone shares the same Christian perception.

Confronting these individuals about their sin, praying for their repentance can cause offense but remaining silent wouldn’t serve justice. Thus, heeding Apostle Paul’s advice could provide much-needed comfort and an acceptable escape route from such predicaments, ensuring a pleasant holiday season.

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