Christmas Today
So it seems that this year more and more people are up in arms about the "meaning" of Christmas. Merry Christmas v. happy holidays, Jesus is the reason for the season, the commercialization of Christmas, etc., etc. A lot of people are concerned with Christmas turning into a secular holiday. I have two thoughts on that:
1) Christmas has become a secular holiday.
2) What's wrong with that?
To me, there is a secular Christmas, and a religious Christmas. Christmas has become a secular holiday that represents love, peace, hope, and joy. It's a time when families get together and spend time together. It's a time when the world collectively calms down, takes a deep breath, and relaxes. And, of course, it's a time when people go buy gifts for one another to bring joy to each other's lives.
Does that sound like anything Jesus would want to be a part of? Does that sound like something He would be proud of inspiring? Of course it does. Jesus has inspired everyone in the world to come together and celebrate the values he loves most--isn't that what he has always tried to do?
I have Jewish friends. I have Hindu friends. They get Christmas cards and gifts from me, too. I even encourage them to put up a tree and lights. It's a holiday that stands for values that people of all religions can agree on. It represents the best in humanity, not the best in Christianity--and it's fun.
Does that mean that you can't celebrate the birth of Christ, as well? Of course not. Christians can take it to that next level, and should do so. It is, in point of fact, the reason for the season, and those who believe in Jesus Christ are correct in celebrating it as such. But that doesn't mean that the celebration itself should be secluded from nonbelievers, and that they can't enjoy the values that the season cherishes. Is not one of the most important tenets of any Christian faith to spread the word of God? Is there a much better way to do this then encourage and inspire the world to join in a celebration of peace, faith, hope, and love, that was inspired by your Savior's birth?
So non-Christians, I'm inviting you now. Please join us in celebrating Christmas. Celebrate the values that I know are more important to Jesus than just celebrating his birth is. Join in the joy of the season that all mankind can share, and can use to help make the world a better place. Christians, keep the religious themes to Christmas alive in your hearts and homes--celebrate them proudly, and with the love that we have for Jesus.
Jesus and I wish everyone in the world peace, love, joy, and happiness. In other words, we wish everyone a very Merry Christmas.
1) Christmas has become a secular holiday.
2) What's wrong with that?
To me, there is a secular Christmas, and a religious Christmas. Christmas has become a secular holiday that represents love, peace, hope, and joy. It's a time when families get together and spend time together. It's a time when the world collectively calms down, takes a deep breath, and relaxes. And, of course, it's a time when people go buy gifts for one another to bring joy to each other's lives.
Does that sound like anything Jesus would want to be a part of? Does that sound like something He would be proud of inspiring? Of course it does. Jesus has inspired everyone in the world to come together and celebrate the values he loves most--isn't that what he has always tried to do?
I have Jewish friends. I have Hindu friends. They get Christmas cards and gifts from me, too. I even encourage them to put up a tree and lights. It's a holiday that stands for values that people of all religions can agree on. It represents the best in humanity, not the best in Christianity--and it's fun.
Does that mean that you can't celebrate the birth of Christ, as well? Of course not. Christians can take it to that next level, and should do so. It is, in point of fact, the reason for the season, and those who believe in Jesus Christ are correct in celebrating it as such. But that doesn't mean that the celebration itself should be secluded from nonbelievers, and that they can't enjoy the values that the season cherishes. Is not one of the most important tenets of any Christian faith to spread the word of God? Is there a much better way to do this then encourage and inspire the world to join in a celebration of peace, faith, hope, and love, that was inspired by your Savior's birth?
So non-Christians, I'm inviting you now. Please join us in celebrating Christmas. Celebrate the values that I know are more important to Jesus than just celebrating his birth is. Join in the joy of the season that all mankind can share, and can use to help make the world a better place. Christians, keep the religious themes to Christmas alive in your hearts and homes--celebrate them proudly, and with the love that we have for Jesus.
Jesus and I wish everyone in the world peace, love, joy, and happiness. In other words, we wish everyone a very Merry Christmas.
posted by Michael Pondrom at 8:50 AM
4 Comments:
"It's a time when the world collectively calms down, takes a deep breath, and relaxes."
Have you ever been shopping in December?...even at a grocery store? Very few of the people I run into are calm or relaxed.
I really think a lot of the gift-giving has gotten out of hand. For the most part, people no longer give because they love, but because they are expected to. Its adds to a lot of unneeded stress and worry.
I disagree Bo. As a former mall employee, I will tell you that of course, shopping places are much more crowded--it's the second busiest time of the year, behind back to school. And of course people get frustrated with such crowds and lines. But on a whole, even frustrated shoppers try to be nicer to each other at Christmas. It's just sometimes people snap a little.
As for the "gift-giving has getten out of control", that's a very popular complaint about Christmas these days. Let me ask you this: how many people do you know who you can say have totally lost the meaning of the season, and only look to give out gifts because it's expected? That's what I thought. You might know one or two, but that's about it.
Sure, you can get lost in the gift giving thing if you let yourself do that. But I give gifts because I enjoy seeing the happiness on the faces of those I give gifts too, as the VAST majority of people do.
I'd encourage you not to get caught up in the "American Cynicism" that seems to exist these days; for the vast majority of people, Christmas is still celebrated for all the right reasons.
Michael
I know a lot more than 1 or 2 who only buy gifts because they are expected to. I also know of more than 1 or 2 that cause themselves at least a little minor financial discomfort because of the buying expectations that are placed on them.
To show the power of expectations, I challenge you to NOT give anything at Christmas. Celebrate Christmas the same in all other ways. Just save all your giving until MLK Day. Then see the looks on peoples faces on Christmas morning. Then feel the pang of the expectation that you should have given at least something on Christmas. You will still be giving the same, just a month later. Thus, the the joy of giving should be the same.
Also, don't tell anyone that you are waiting to gift them later.
I'm glad I'm Jewish and can use that as my excuse why I don't give gifts ;-) (But still always happy to receive them!)
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