“Christmas Isn’t for Everyone”

“For a child will be born to us, a son given to us…” Isaiah 9:6

 

           Christmas is not for everyone! Now here me out before you tar and feather me. Dr. Suess’ Grinch hated the whole Christmas season because all the Who’s down in Whoville made too much noise and the music they sang was not to his liking. George Bailey was so overwhelmed with all his troubles and difficulties, he was ready to call it quits (literally), even though Christmas was in full throttle (reference It’s a Wonderful Life). Ebenezer Scrooge, of Charles Dickens’ fame, was so anti-Christmas that it altered his entire personality, thus the name Scrooge. Consider, too, that research has proved anxiety to be higher during the holiday season than any other time of year, citing cares and concerns springing from increased social pressures, financial stress, family dynamics (you could even insert the word “dysfunction” here), and unrealistic expectations.

Oh, and there’s one more thing: Christians tend to mix sacred and secular more readily during the Christmas holidays than any other. Some forget that the Christmas Tree was “invented” by Martin Luther as a way to reflect the Light and Glory of God (he took candles and attached them to trees in the forest, something that the Fire Marshall might frown on today). It has morphed into a necessary tradition gracing nearly every Christian home. Others get consumed (the root for “consumer”) with all the right gifts for family, relatives, and friends,  in-cognizant that Saint Nicolas (actual spiritual leader late third/early fourth century) gave away his fortune to help those in need, and it was substantial. What would Christmas look like if every believer gave away a part of their fortune to assist those who are poor and needy, rather than scanning the internet mall for things many of us really don’t need?

Lest we overlook, some of the Christmas “carols” we sing are theologically challenged. We Three Kings elevates the Magi to a position they never really attained, not to mention that there were most probably way more than three. A trio of pudgy camel-riding wise guys wouldn’t cause the stir that shook King Herod to the core. But an entourage of powerful men, escorted by their own  Secret Service detail would move the pagan king off center. “No makes” of Away in a Manger takes away the “baby-ness” of Jesus’ infancy, as if babies don’t cry, for crying out loud. Angels didn’t appear on the plains of Bethlehem playing “harps of gold”, as It Came Upon a Midnight Clear proclaims. And while an angelic chorus would be the greatest concert, we would ever experience, the angels didn’t sing, they spoke instead. Other examples abound, I’m sure.

Therefore, when all is said and done, you would have to agree with me that Christmas isn’t for everyone! And yet (pause for effect), Christmas is for everyone! The Bible, from Genesis to Revelation, is loaded with truth concerning God’s grand design for redemption. A child will be born and given to us who are living in darkness (Isaiah 9:2-6). Christ’s name, the embodiment of His person and work, is uniquely and solely given to all humanity for salvation (Acts 4:12). Everyone who believers in Him (Christ the Messiah) will experience eternal life (John 3:16). Yet to all who received Him, He gave the right to become children of God (John 1:12). And everyone who lives and believes in Me, Christ declares, will never die (John 11:26). The one who has the Son has life (1 John 5:12).

Christmas is for everyone, and especially YOU. It is a time to celebrate in true festive exuberance the joy of God’s generosity. It is also a time to quietly ponder as Mary did all the wonder of incarnation. We are encouraged and transformed by this first Advent of the Lord Jesus Christ. And we are challenged to prepare every aspect of our lives for His inevitable second Advent. In this regard, what’s not to love about Christmas?!

 

Blessings on the Journey, 

Pastor Dewayne