Annual Christmas Rant
What do you think of when you hear the word Christmas? (pause) There are several things that come immediately to my mind, stress being the first. I need to make a confession before we move any further, I am somewhat of a scrooge. It is not that I am some kind of kill joy, actually I love having a good time. What I don’t love is all the shopping, constant Christmas carols, and the misinformation spread regarding the Christmas story.
Last night I watched “Community”. I often enjoy this show for a variety of reasons, but last night I was frustrated. The moral of the story seemed to be that it doesn’t matter what you believe, Christmas is for everyone. It sounds nice, but it simply isn’t true. I don’t care if an atheist wants to buy presents for their friends or simply participate out of respect for friends and relatives, I am fine with that. I am fine with Jews wanting to celebrate Hanukah. What I am not fine with is watering down Christmas to the point where Christ is not longer what the holiday is about. This is exactly what was done on “Community” last night. It is one thing if this is done in Hollywood, it is another if it is happening in our churches.
Christmas should be fun, it should be celebrated for what it is, the incarnation of God himself. Immanuel, God with us. The savior comes to be the sacrificial lamb providing atonement for our sins. Christmas is about peace (with God) and good will (from God). It is not about kindness to others, buying presents, receiving presents, or about great meals (although I enjoy all of those things). Let us all as ministers of the Gospel take advantage of this time of year to proclaim that very message.
Comments
I’m in the same boat as you when it comes to Christmas. While I enjoy the “stuff” to some extent it gets stressful. There have been times I can do without the “stuff” and simply spend the day with family worshiping my Jesus. No gifts or running from one home to the next only to come home later in the evening tired and glad the day is over.
i agree with you. We certainly need to remember the reason for Christmas and do all that we can to point others toward that reason. However, I’m not anti presents, food, joy, and giving…when it’s put into context of the overall meaning. Good work with the post!
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