On the Observance of Christmas and Other Holiday Thoughts:

Straight AheadIt goes without saying that Christmas is increasingly being de-Christianized, even here in the U.S. The TV specials hardly ever have anything to do with the religious aspects of the season. They usually have nice little stories about people getting along with each other, practicing forgiveness, showing forbearance. As a side-note, wealthy people or businessmen are usually shown as evil, greedy sorts who sometimes find the true spirit of Christmas in giving away all their wealth and deciding to live like pawpers the rest of their lives. (Ok, that's a bit of an exaggeration, but you get the picture.) I don't worry too much about the over-commercialization of Christmas. Obviously, some people spend money they can't afford; but that's their decision. If I were a businessman--even a Christian businessman--I'd certainly hope that I made a good profit during the Christmas season, especially if I were a retailer. No, what bothers me about Christmas is that we've taken Christ out of it. The question is one of balance. Christmas gifts are fine. If people are led to engage in more charity at Christmas, or if they want to practice some kind of "alternative Christmas," I have no problem with that--so long as they don't condemn the rest of us for giving gifts to friends and loved ones. I have no problem though with people who observe Christmas in the traditional way, so longas the top priority, the most important thing, is Christ! We have to remember the real reason we do all this. If we do that, we'll be more likely to keep from giving insincere gifts just to impress people. We will perhaps be less likely to get ourselves so wrapped up in social obligations and will take more time to reflect upon the actual meaning of Christmas--which is the birth of Christ, God Incarnate, who came to "save His people from their sins." In addition, if we would spend more time reflecting on Christ, God's gift to us, we would be less likely to be depressed by thoughts of happier times, and would be more likely to minister to people for whom Christmas can be a very depressing time. The message of Christmas is one that should transcend all our sorrows, problems, and fears and anxieties. The false cheer and superficial good will that surround Christmas make it very hard for those who are troubled by grief, deprivation, sickness, or disability truly to join in the celebration. They feel left out. If we keep the focus on the real reason for the season, we allow the suffering to experience true liberation. Christ is the Saviour. He has overcome the world. There are always those people who say, ""Christmas is for children." Well, I want children to be happy as much as the next person; but that statement isn't true. Christmas isn't just for children. Christmas is for Christians--and it's time the Christians take it back! Merry Christ mas! Happy New Year!