Most who know me know this: I freaking love Christmas. I love the cold, the snow, the lights, the tree, the Christmas music played over and over, the crappy Hallmark movies with plots so cliche that I could give you a whole synopsis five minutes in. I love the family's open house, the Christmas cooking, Christmas presents with the Millers, Christmas Eve services, and the fact that this is when we celebrate the coming of Jesus. Christmas is my season; it's one of the times that I get excited. And it ticks me off when people try to rain on this holiday.
The idea that Christmas is just a commercialized holiday ticks me off.
I realize where this idea comes from, don't get me wrong. Hallmark makes a killing on Christmas cards, the stores are filled with loud angry people who waited until the last minute to buy Christmas presents, Santa in the mall is one of the biggest attractions for little kids, and often it feels like the reality of Christmas, the coming of Jesus, is lost.Amid the scuffle of shopping and decorating, the idea that people forget what Christmas means is a logical one. Yet often people are only looking at these actions and judging them, not looking at the depth it reaches.
When you see those people trying hard to find the right gifts and often being very rude in their dealings, there is more to them than just pushy materialism. They aren't just caught up in what they are buy, but I would say more who they are buying it for. They want to get the right gift so they can make someone else happy. It might be a parent trying to get a toy for their child, a boyfriend looking for the right jewelry for the girl he cares for, or some concerned grandchildren trying to find a gift for the grandfather that might not be with them next year. The spirit of giving is alive and well in this season, despite peoples apparent rushing. They might not be so concerned with the random people they meet in the store, but there is a desire to give good gifts to those they love.
This is also the time when many people are more expose to the message of the season. There are those that only go to church on Christmas and Easter, and this is the time when pastors have a chance to reach out to them. It might just be tradition that they show up to church, but as long as they are there, you have a chance to reach out to them. It does no one any good to sit in your weekly pew and judge those that only came for this service. You should reach out to them and try to bring them back. Show them that there is more to church than just Christmas. They might be ignoring the real meaning behind Christmas, but when they show up regardless, it is your chance to bring them into a deeper relationship with the season and the man behind it.
Christmas isn't just about the money and the presents. It isn't about capitalism and wealth, having and not having, giving and getting. We all should realize that Christmas is about Jesus and his birth. But that doesn't mean we should look at the lights and Santa impersonators with disdain or judgement. This season is also about kindness to others, respect, and the love for family. You don't know those others that you see in the store, but you can understand that in their hearts they have a desire to show love to someone. Jesus will always need to be at the center of our celebration, but don't look down on the fun traditions others hold along with that.
I know, it has to be a surprise to see me encouraging tolerance. Consider it a Christmas miracle.
Just something to chew on.
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