You could be forgiven for thinking Christmas is all about presents, food, family, Santa and all the other things the world pushes at us. On the radio recently the announcer said, ‘What makes Christmas, Christmas?’
He then went on to answer his own question and tell everyone, ‘Christmas is lights, family, food and loyalty points.’
Excuse me? None of those things make Christmas, Christmas.
Now don’t get me wrong I enjoy looking at Christmas lights and I enjoy Christmas food. I love spending time with family, not just at Christmas but at any time of the year. But none of those things make it Christmas. Neither do the presents or that jolly red clad gentleman who Ho ho hos his way around every shopping center.
What makes it Christmas is that Jesus was born. Without Jesus there is no Christmas. There may be some sort of holiday but without Christ it is not Christmas. Even the word holiday came originally from Holy Day. A Holy Day indeed because God entered into our world in the person of Jesus Christ.
As some Christmas cards remind us, ‘He is the reason for the season.’ So let’s not be bashful about proclaiming it a celebration of the birth of Jesus. Let’s send or give Christmas cards to our friends that give the real message of Christmas rather than those that blandly say ‘Seasons Greetings.’ Let’s wish people a happy Christmas not ‘happy holidays.’
Let’s reclaim Christmas for Christ, rather than letting it be overtaken by Santa and his reindeer and elves. Let’s make sure people know this year what and why we are celebrating.
Yes we have sent out Christmas cards and in each the Christian message has been depicted and proclaimed. We have set up Christmas lights and the lights reflect elements of the Christmas reality, not Santa and so on. Our Christmas tree likewise has decorations that depict what Christmas is all about. There’s not a Santa on it.
What are you going to do to proclaim the joyous news of Christ’s birth this Christmas?
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