Christmas 2023
It's almost here.
For the past several weeks I haven't listened to anything but Trans-Siberian Orchestra. Peppermint Mocha might as well be oxygen. My kids have watched Mickey Saves Christmas on Disney Plus every night for two weeks straight, meanwhile, my wife has recorded exactly 168 Hallmark Christmas movies on DVR. And here I am, unable to find anything on TV except movies involving Will Ferrell and Chevy Chase. Ahhh.
It's Christmastime. And it truly is the most wonderful time of the year.
In the midst of all the whimsical chaos, holiday cheer, and evergreen décor, I am often reminded for a few seconds each day that this holiday is NOT about me, or my kids, or Santa, or gifts, or anything we actually do...but about a baby. And not just any baby, rather, it's about a baby that would become a man, that would eventually be called God by some, lunatic by others, and liar by the rest.
That's right. It's not about anything we actually do during Christmas, it's about a birthday that took place in a dirty Middle-Eastern barn, on a cold, winter (was it winter?) night.
I don't buy it.
All a person's ways seem pure to them, but motives are weighed by the LORD. (Proverbs 16:2)
Before you judge me, label me Grinch or Scrooge, please hear me out. Christmas, at least today in 2023, in America, is NOT bringing much glory to Jesus. It's all about Santa, decorations, winter-time festivals and activities, giving presents, getting presents, food, candy, and occasionally, sometimes, just a little, about doing good things in the community.
In other words, the holiday is about us. It's about me, you, our kids, our family, our pleasure, and our happiness. There is a big element of giving involved, yes, but are we giving to make ourselves feel good, out of obligation, or are we doing it for a selfless purpose?
Some pastors and teachers will tell you that people give gifts to reflect the gift that God gave us in Jesus, or because the wise men from the east brought gifts to Jesus after his birth. But do the gifts we give our loved ones (and ourselves) actually reflect the nature of those gifts?
I'll sum it up to say this - I'm not against Christmas. I'm for it, very much. I genuinely enjoy Christmas 2023. I love giving gifts and being creative in what I give others. But let's call it for like it is - this really isn't about Jesus, is it? Was it ever? We'll tackle that topic in my next blog...but for now...
If Christmas were about Jesus, wouldn't we be inviting the less fortunate into our homes and not just family and friends?
But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous. (Luke 14:13-14)
If Christmas were about Jesus, wouldn't we be demonstrating a selfless, humble life to others and our children? After all, God incarnate chose to make His entrance in a place where filthy animals ate, slept, and relieved themselves. Instead, we shower ourselves and others with the things we ask for, covet, and desire.
Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. (Matthew 6:19-20)
That being said, whether you follow Jesus, like Jesus, hate him, or are indifferent towards him, I don't see a reason not to enjoy the festivities of this holiday we label Christmas. Sure, churches will spend a little more time talking about Jesus' birth and why He came into this world, which was to bear the harsh punishment of sin, rescuing anyone...ANYONE...who believes in Him.
On that note, I'll end with a Hallelujah! In my opinion, Jesus' birth is so big and so important for humanity that it's not something I want to think about one month or one day out of the year, but every day for the rest of my life. Celebrating His arrival requires more than a holiday...it requires an eternity.
Be blessed and Merry Christmas!
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