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Every Christmas season we hear laments over the commercialization of Christmas. There are Christian relatives who refuse to celebrate the season because it is so much commercialized and considered to represent something other than the birth of the Christ child. For many believers there is the recognition that evil seeks to obscure, dilute, divert, and destroy the message of Christmas. But how is this any different than the spiritual battle of every Christian’s relationship to God the Father through Jesus Christ the Son? Is this relationship often troubled by trials and tribulation, weakness and doubt, diversion and lapses, and temptations rather than unwavering faith? What else should a Christian expect of evil when comes to the Christmas story?
However, during the Christmas season there is, as in no other season when there is a community and national change in peoples’ attitudes. Generally, people are more considerate, friendlier, kinder, and contribute more to charity - in defiance of the evil, even unbelievers respond. Commercialization wins the struggle over money but fails to destroy the spirit of ‘tis the season.
Is the cause of the Christmas season secular? There are other celebrated days – New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Valentine’s Day, George Washington’s Birthday/President’s Day, Easter day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veterans Day, Halloween, and Thanksgiving Day. Each day has its traditions for the celebration, but which ones change the way people behave and think – for a season? Without any regard to the celebration, is there something different about Christmas?
Let the secular offenses to Christmas be cataloged:
The decorated tree, Santa Clause, reindeer, sled, North pole, elves, candy canes, lights, stars, wreaths, yard decorations; decking out the auto with a red nose and deer antlers or wreaths; apparel including hats, elf ears, thematic sweaters and ties; decking out the pets; snow, icicles, music, shopping, presents, feasting, and alcohol. Then there are the office parties, the neighborhood parties, and the family gatherings. Bars and retail stores deck out with decorations. However, the decorations which impact the most are those in the yards of recognized unbelievers. What is it that compels them to make the effort to decorate for the season? Yes, it is just a chance to celebrate and decorate. On the other hand, it is neither Allah or Buddha or the winter solstice that stimulates the decorations nor the reason for the participation. The reason for the season dominates the background even for unbelievers.
A few years back in an effort to be political correct and be multi-religious inclusive there was even the effort to change the greeting of “Merry Christmas” to “Happy Holidays.” The overt public response refused to accept this change and more people than ever were saying “Merry Christmas.” “Happy Holidays” faded into obscurity and evil flinched.
Last night, Christmas Eve 24th December 2017, the Dallas Cowboys were playing for a must win to stay in contention for the play offs. Former Ohio State renowned running back Ezekiel Elliot was back for the first game after his six game suspension. Expectations were high. Here in the Dallas area, in considerations of such things, the anticipation was for a low attendance at the Christmas Eve service which started in the middle of the Cowboy game. The church was packed including more young people than normal in attendance.
How Christian do you wish Christmas to be?
For most believers we can make Christmas more about the Christ child. However, it is not a battle against the commercialization of Christmas that will ever be lost. Because? It is because of this promise.
Isaiah 9:6-7 NCV
6 A child has been born to us;
God has given a son to us.
He will be responsible for leading the people.
His name will be Wonderful Counselor, Powerful God,
Father Who Lives Forever, Prince of Peace.
7 Power and peace will be in his kingdom
and will continue to grow forever.
He will rule as king on David’s throne
and over David’s kingdom.
He will make it strong
by ruling with justice and goodness
from now on and forever.
The Lord All-Powerful will do this
because of his strong love for his people.
25 December 2017 the old scribe
However, during the Christmas season there is, as in no other season when there is a community and national change in peoples’ attitudes. Generally, people are more considerate, friendlier, kinder, and contribute more to charity - in defiance of the evil, even unbelievers respond. Commercialization wins the struggle over money but fails to destroy the spirit of ‘tis the season.
Is the cause of the Christmas season secular? There are other celebrated days – New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Valentine’s Day, George Washington’s Birthday/President’s Day, Easter day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veterans Day, Halloween, and Thanksgiving Day. Each day has its traditions for the celebration, but which ones change the way people behave and think – for a season? Without any regard to the celebration, is there something different about Christmas?
Let the secular offenses to Christmas be cataloged:
The decorated tree, Santa Clause, reindeer, sled, North pole, elves, candy canes, lights, stars, wreaths, yard decorations; decking out the auto with a red nose and deer antlers or wreaths; apparel including hats, elf ears, thematic sweaters and ties; decking out the pets; snow, icicles, music, shopping, presents, feasting, and alcohol. Then there are the office parties, the neighborhood parties, and the family gatherings. Bars and retail stores deck out with decorations. However, the decorations which impact the most are those in the yards of recognized unbelievers. What is it that compels them to make the effort to decorate for the season? Yes, it is just a chance to celebrate and decorate. On the other hand, it is neither Allah or Buddha or the winter solstice that stimulates the decorations nor the reason for the participation. The reason for the season dominates the background even for unbelievers.
A few years back in an effort to be political correct and be multi-religious inclusive there was even the effort to change the greeting of “Merry Christmas” to “Happy Holidays.” The overt public response refused to accept this change and more people than ever were saying “Merry Christmas.” “Happy Holidays” faded into obscurity and evil flinched.
Last night, Christmas Eve 24th December 2017, the Dallas Cowboys were playing for a must win to stay in contention for the play offs. Former Ohio State renowned running back Ezekiel Elliot was back for the first game after his six game suspension. Expectations were high. Here in the Dallas area, in considerations of such things, the anticipation was for a low attendance at the Christmas Eve service which started in the middle of the Cowboy game. The church was packed including more young people than normal in attendance.
How Christian do you wish Christmas to be?
For most believers we can make Christmas more about the Christ child. However, it is not a battle against the commercialization of Christmas that will ever be lost. Because? It is because of this promise.
Isaiah 9:6-7 NCV
6 A child has been born to us;
God has given a son to us.
He will be responsible for leading the people.
His name will be Wonderful Counselor, Powerful God,
Father Who Lives Forever, Prince of Peace.
7 Power and peace will be in his kingdom
and will continue to grow forever.
He will rule as king on David’s throne
and over David’s kingdom.
He will make it strong
by ruling with justice and goodness
from now on and forever.
The Lord All-Powerful will do this
because of his strong love for his people.
25 December 2017 the old scribe
