The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

Contrary to many of my conservative friends I am not going to tell you to jettison most of the trapping of Christmas that we have managed to accumulate over the years. I will tell you that many of them have made it harder to focus on the real significance of Christmas and why we celebrate. These days it really is harder to focus on the real significance of the season but it is not impossible.

I am pretty sure our economy would take a severe hit if we were to actually do some of the things suggested by Christmas purists. A sudden stop in Christmas shopping would put many medium and small business out of business. These small stores rely upon the Christmas shopper to put their businesses in the black at year’s end. In fact, I am going to suggest that you shop as long as you can afford and that you do it with local businesses.

However, just because your American Express card has no spending limit doesn’t mean you

shouldn't show some restraint. Let the Christmas song The Twelve Days of Christmas serve as a reminder of what can happen at Christmas if you don’t have a spending plan . . . . . you end up with a lot of debt and a bunch of senseless gifts (BTW - I’ll take the 5 gold rings).  I suggest you lead with your heart but that you don’t leave your brain at home as you shop for the people you love.

As a kind of aside to the Christmas shopping let me suggest that you find a way to express your spirit of giving by making a gift to a charity that directly affects people who are (1) either in great need (that should be easy in our area given the effects of Hurricane Harvey); (2) actively serving the Lord in some ministry; or (3) giving to some ministry that ministers to those who have spent their lives in Christian Ministry . . . . for this one I like Mission:Dignity.

I also encourage those who like to decorate their homes and yards for the Christmas Season that you do so. I for one enjoy looking at them. Let me suggest that you keep the Season in mind as you decorate. It is after all the Christmas Season which is born out of the Christian celebration of Jesus the Christ’s birth. Among your wonderful wreaths and trees be sure and include displays that portray the various events in His life . . . . . . the trip to Bethlehem, His actual birth, the Wise Men’s (Magi) visit, and other scenes from his life and death. All are appropriate for such a celebration. I think too that one should include themes of Hope, Joy, Celebration and Redemption.

Another thing that I believe would make for a better Christmas spirit in spite of the hustle and bustle of the season is to fill your home with Christmas music.  Oh it is fine to include the secular Christmas songs. White Christmas is a perennial favorite as is Rudolf the Reindeer. We use our electronic friend Alexa to play Christmas carols and hymns.  I believe that when we surround ourselves with the symbols and sounds of the season our mood is affected in a way that makes us friendlier, happier, and just plain feel better.  Unabashedly greet folks with “Merry Christmas” and maybe follow that with “I hope you have a happy holiday.”

Personally, while I like all the things thus far suggested, my favorite time is what I refer to as the “Gathering .”  The Gathering refers to the day our family gathers as a clan. It is a time when we gather with our children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. We warmly welcome extended family (cousins) who are able to join us. I am also of the opinion that if we have a family Christmas Dinner we invite a friend who would otherwise be spending Christmas alone. It is a symbolic way of saying that unlike the inn that had no room for Jesus we have room for Him in our house . . . . He being represented by our invited guest(s). Now understand that if you exchange gifts at the Gathering you will need one for the invited guests even if it is just a token.

Above everything keep in mind Christmas is a time of goodwill toward each other and peace among us. So, at least for the season, lay aside any outstanding grievances and just enjoy each others company.  Tell stories of Christmases past; share hopes for the future; read the Christmas story from the Gospel of Luke; and above all thank God for his wonderful gift of His Son through whom all have access to redemption and eternal life.

If for some reason you don’t get what you wanted as a gift or you get something that reflects little thought on the part of the giver or you get a gift that is a re-gifting of what you gave the giver last year don’t whine and complain. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad knowing that “great is your reward in heaven” and at least you were in someone’s thoughts and included in their celebration.

Now, if for some reason, you must spend the holiday alone, or something causes you to have great sadness (loss of loved one during the season, etc.) please try and keep in mind that as a Christian you are never alone.  Jesus said, “And lo I am with you always even unto the end of the ages” and that He will never forsake or abandon you.  Then, volunteer to work in one of the Charities that feed and clothe the homeless on Christmas Day.

What I am telling you is . . . . . your Christmas will be what you make it and I am encouraging you to make it . . . . . so make it a Christ centered one. Why, well for starters it is the celebration of the day when unto us was “born this day in the city of Bethlehem a Savior which is Christ the Lord.”