Dear Church,
I attended the children’s christmas program yesterday with my son. He had no desire to be in it, but wanted to come as an observer. The children were adorable dressed in their Christmas best. Even the tiny tot picking her nose in the front row was charming! I would never criticize or condemn the sincerity and innocence of the children or their enthusiasm as they poured their hearts into the message. My problem is with the basic message, handed down by the adults, of course. The basic premise was that Jesus is the reason for the season, and without the manger you have no christmas. Whoa! Hold on, there! History teaches us that the winter holiday celebrated by pagans was full of debauchery and mythological rituals. Early Christians would not participate due to the anti-chrisitan nature of the revelry. Feeling left out, it was decided that they would “baptize” the holiday and use it as an occasion to celebrate the birth of the christ child. It is this reason that the Puritans never celebrated the holiday. Ok, that’s all fine and dandy, and probably most Christians today celebrate it. Nobody really cares about those long forgotten pagan traditions (except we still have a yule log, and kiss under the mistletoe!). But to say that without Jesus there would be no Christmas is misleading and down right untrue. It is also untrue that non believers miss “the point” of the holiday. My non christian friends cherish the closeness of family and friends, and share with those in need. I am enjoying my first holiday season without the pressure of having to spiritualize everything from the decorations to the gifts. There is sweet freedom in reaching out to others without the pretense of presenting them with the “reason for the season,” as if giving to others in love is not reason enough.
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Christmas is about Christ and His incarnation to save humanity!!! It is not about cherishing on giving and spending time with friends! Of course, it all started from 4th century when Christians do want to make a difference. And same thing is happening today!!! Christians do make a difference from ‘Holiday makers’ by their sense of discipline. Christmas is not about giving or be with family and friends or be in church or decorate your homes but it is between you and Christ. It is a festival to celebrate the incarnate Jesus, a festival to celebrate His coming into our hearts - oops! not preaching here but this is my point.
It is a festival to celebrate the incarnate Jesus FOR CHRISTIANS. The rest of the world celebrates the festivities but without the “Jesus” focus. It is not a view shared by the entire world. So if for some people it is about giving, sharing, families, etc, there should be no condemnation. And without Christ, people DO still have Christmas. Just celebrated in a different way and for different reasons.
Well Joann, let me first say ‘Hello’.
Yes, definitely people do celebrate festivities without Jesus. However, it is not what you believe, it is all about what it is (the fact). Turn to history, all the festivals came from the Bible!!!
Joel
Hi back at ya! I can tell you are passionate about what you believe. That in itself should make this a great holiday season for you. ( :
Best wishes to you and the ones you love!
Joann