Joy to the World (...catch that last word?)

My fingers have been itching to get to my keyboard since the holiday season began, but I've hesitated, not wanting to be a Scrooge during one of my favorite times of the year. I love it because of the traditions. I love holiday lights, I love the music, I love the reason to gather as a family and create new traditions that build memories for years to come. And, as a Christian, I love that we take time to celebrate the gift that was given to the world in the form of an infant, born so humbly, who would one day change the world (whether you believe him a diety or not, Jesus of Nazareth is THE most transforming figure in history).

The thing that has got me a bit perplexed is how on earth we have gone from cheerful holiday season, to drawing battle lines over the "Christmas" vs. "holiday" in our tidings. I have read one too many Facebook posts and seen one too many illustrations trying to either blend secular Santa with the Christian nativity or scold those who attempt the blend. It bothers me because the arguement itself goes against the very nature of the season. It puts a dividing line during a time a year that is meant to draw people together.

Here are the main points as I (and remember this is just my own silly opinion here) see them:

1. According to historians who have studied the Bible and related historical texts, there is pretty conclusive evidence that Jesus was NOT born in the month of December. Let's also remember that "December" didn't exist 2000+ years ago, so the arguement that December 25th somehow "belongs" to Jesus is rubbish. If you truely believe, then you realize that EVERY day belongs to God, so I doubt Jesus sits in heaven pouting over the secularization (is that a word?) of December 25th. It is not his birthday. It is the day we as modern Christians have chosen to celebrate it....




2. ...continuing from point number 1, digging into history will reveal the reason we modern Christians choose to celebrate at this time of year. Most historians believe that as early as 225AD Christians were choosing to celebrate the birth of Christ in December. They did so to align with a pagan tradition, thereby effectively snagging the date for Christ instead of a lesser God. Pretty smart move from an evangelical perspective. So now we Christians get huffy when other secular notions try to nudge in "our" day.




3. Don't forget about Hannukah when when adding in the Holiday cheer. Jews were around first. Even Jesus was a Jew. Their tradition has been around longer than ours. I'm not 100% on this next statement, but if the dates I've seen line, even Jesus may have celebrated it.--feel free to correct me if my dates are wrong.




4. Santa. Oh Santa. What is a Christian mom to do about about the jolly guy in the red suit? Well, this condundrum has been around less than 200 years the way we think about St. Nick. Festivals and observances of the generous Greek saint have been around since at least the middle ages, but Santa Claus as we know him today really picked up speed in the 19th century with American..wait for it...cartoonists. And in typical American melting pot fashion we have, over the last 200 years, mixed many country's celebrations into something that is pretty uniquely our own.




5. Politics. Our country will continue to attempt de-Christianize this country. If you think about it, that is even predicted in the Bible. When it comes to Christmas however, they can call it what they want. Holiday, Yule Tide celebration, festivities, whatever, at the end of the day you can't completely separate Christ, and definitely not God, from our celebrations this time of year. It is too rooted into our culture.

So, what am I concluding here? Not a thing. Just bringing up some points, but I'll tell you how I'm trying to handle this time of year.

Regardless of background, religion or culture, most everyone celebrates something at this time of the year. It's a GOOD thing. We are celebrating GOOD things. Togetherness, family, generosity. John 3:16 says that God so love the WORLD (as in this whole messed up, fractured place) that he gave His only son. Jesus was for everyone, and Christians, therefore, are supposed to be for everyone. Am I also called to speak truth and lead people from sin? Yes, but can't I do that through my actions? This is a built-in time of year to act like Jesus. Be kind, be giving, be sacrificial.

I will teach my children to remember His birth at Christmas. I will teach them about the wonder that is Christmas in its many forms. And I will remember that I am called to love people, all people, even if they don't love me. You may not celebrate Christmas my way. That's cool. I love you cause Jesus loves you, and he was born in a manager long ago for you whether you want to believe it or not.

I'm praying for everyone this holiday season, but my plea for Christians is to put our differences aside and use this time of year to show love and compassion, not separation. Teach your children; instead of letting the culture teach them. Say "Merry Christmas"; because it's what you believe in, but don't be offended if it isn't returned. Show people the love of Christ through your love of them. We can go back to being divided and hateful in January ;) kidding of course.