On Keeping Christ in Christmas!

At what should be “that most wonderful time of the year” - Christmas, secular society makes a concerted effort to distance itself from the true meaning - The birth of Jesus Christ.

The politically correct folks who favor changing the name to, Happy Holidays or Winter Festival, or some other neutered expression make the claim for being inclusive for all the other “traditions." But has anyone really looked into those “other traditions?” Outside of Hanukkah, which traditionally, beyond giving the ‘gelt’ or coin, has not been a gift-giving occasion, there is no other “Holiday” in December.

Kwanzaa, which starts after Christmas, focuses on character, not gift-giving. To my knowledge there is no Muslim gift-giving “holiday” in December, nor Buddhist or Hindu feast.

According to a National Retail Federation survey (2007?), 93% of customers celebrate Christmas, 5% Hanukkah and 2% Kwanza. Other surveys show that retailers who promote Christmas over Holiday on average see a 10-20% increase in sales. If all these facts were applied to anything else people would indeed wonder why the “Holiday” is not called for what it is, in this case Christmas.

Be that what it may, I think Christians need to recognize that we may have been part of the problem. We need to reflect, and Advent is the most appropriate time, on the true meaning of Christmas and why it is “good news of great joy." Do our children know this is about Jesus’ birthday or has Santa taken center stage in our homes? Do we stop by the manger scene in the mall (if there is one) and explain what it means? 

Do we emphasize that Christ IS the “incredible gift” from God to us that makes peace with God and motivates “good-will towards men?” As Christians would we still be celebrating if some Grinch stole our presents and decorations like the Who’s of Whoville? Celebrating not some nebulous “spirit” or “warm feeling”, but God incarnate who came to earth as The Savior to “save his people from their sins?” 

To those with youngsters I encourage starting traditions that keep Christ central, such as age appropriate Advent readings and candle lighting around the dinner table. My wife and I have always started Christmas morning with everyone gathered around the manger scene as I read the Scriptural story of Christ’ birth, ending in a carole before touching any gifts. As Christians, if we showed the world more of what Christ means to us, just perhaps Christmas would still be called Christmas.

This year Christmas falls on a Sunday. Surprisingly to me, some churches have decided to hold a Christmas Eve service and be closed on Christmas day. I’m sure they have their reasons, but as pro-family as I am, I feel that as families we should meet and celebrate, especially on Christmas (It happens once every 7 years). So Christmas Eve Candlelight Service at 6PM and yes, we are open Christmas, 10:45AM for worship. All are welcome.

“For God so loved the world that He GAVE his one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16

Wishing everyone a blessed and Merry Christmas!