A couple of days ago we celebrated Christmas. It has historically been the time of year that we set aside to spend time with family, share stories of past times and those who might not be with us any longer. It's the time when Christians celebrate the birth of Christ, although we know he was actually born in the spring, that aside, it's when we choose to celebrate such. It's been the time when we sing songs about the little drummer boy, the town of Bethlehem, Silent Night, etc. Oh, I forgot, we must be politically correct…we sing holiday songs about a white Christmas, Santa Claus coming to town and a red nosed reindeer [We don't want to offend]. What's unfortunate is the fact that many of the tunes we hum, strum and belt out have nothing to do with Jesus or His birth, but more to do with Santa, gifts, and the like. Lately this holiday that was formerly a HOLYday (yea Valerie, I used that one) has relegated itself to a time when we stress about giving gifts to those we love (and some we don't like) because it's time to do it and it really wouldn't make any sense to express these feelings in this manner at any other time of the year. It's like the day after Halloween (some wait until Thanksgiving) folks rush to put decorations of every sort all over their yard, house, and car. They decorate the tree in the front yard, the house with lights and the front door with a wreath. Inside they have an enormous tree clad with even more lights, ornamentation, and a star on top. If asked they'll tell you they are just doing it up right to celebrate the birth of Christ.
Hmmm…I wonder? What symbolic purpose (or literal one for that matter) does a decorated tree, eggnog, mistletoe, Christmas stockings, a fat man in a red and white suit or eight reindeer serve to represent the Son of God? Not trying to be funny, this isn't a brain teaser. It's something that I've pontificated for many years.
I can safely say that none of those things (okay 90% of them) done at Christmas traditionally don't have the faintest bit to do with Christ, the have absolutely nothing to do with the true reason for the season, which, is the birth of Jesus Christ.
There are some who say (some even mean it) that they participate in the practice of giving gifts to symbolize the gift that God gave us in His son, Jesus, yea whatever. Honestly, that's wonderful, if you truly feel this way and exhibit it in your actions every other day of the year. That can be marginalized, but then that leaves the other stuff, like for instance the stockings? Or perhaps the Christmas tree? I've never heard of any correlation to my savior. I'm not even bringing up the fat dude in the red suit.
Don't get me wrong, I have, for years, written these off as nondetrimental customs. These things, in and of themselves, really mean nothing, right? It means nothing to exchange gifts…to put up a tree and decorations…to lie to kids about a fat guy in a red and white suit, flying reindeer and elves…perhaps there's no major issue with the Christmas songs that don't acknowledge or give honor to Jesus. On the other hand, I could say that there's something wrong with it all. Especially when we find ourselves focusing more on the "stuff" surrounding the holiday and not the reason it came about in the first place. I believe, if things detract from our understanding and celebration of Christ it makes that item an idol in our lives. Scripture tells us what God thinks of idols. We are not to place anything in higher regard than God himself.
It can't just be me who feels that Christmas can be so overwhelming that it's become quite irritating. There are some who actually work they're entire being around Christmas and its activities. They spend countless hours and trips to stores to try and figure out when and where to get the best gifts. Contemplating how they can decorate their house to look better than their neighbor's. Coordinating the holiday menu, who's coming over and the seating chrats, in addition to everything else surrounding the events, parties, and get togethers. Does it stop?
All that being said, I haven't a misgiving that we've lost sight of the true purpose of Christmas or what it should really be about. I'm not out to change the world and I'm not foolish enough to think I can change the manner in which our society celebrates this holiday (or Easter for that matter, but that's a different story). I can only do what I can do. What is that you ask? I make an intentional effort to focus on the "who" behind the "why" and share with those I love about Christ, and His coming to Earth for the sole purpose of dying for their sins. I'd do this in hopes that they might accept His gift, gain eternal life, and have the most memorable Christmas ever. What better gift to give to Christ during the celebration of His birth than a saved soul, or perhaps two.
It's just my opinion, but I'm not wrong!
