Warm greetings on this first day of winter - or summer,
depending on where you live.
I work in a secular workplace. The company founder and
president is a Christian, and many Christians work there. Recently we had our office
Christmas party, and I was surprised by the words and attitude of one of my
co-workers. He grew up as an MK in Brazil and has taken mission trips there as
an adult; I believe he is a Christian. The others at the table know him better
than I do, and when he came and sat down at the last minute, they started
teasing him about not wanting to come to the party and not liking Christmas.
His response confirmed their statements; he has little love for Christmas and
views it negatively, as an annoying nuisance or unwelcome burden.
I commented something to this effect: "I can understand
that there are aspects of Christmas that someone wouldn't like, but when you
think about the real Christmas, you have to like that."
Sadly, there are too many negatives that have been
introduced to Christmas, and there are some unwelcome aspects of Christmas for
some people. I thought maybe you could relate to some of them.
First, commercialism. We are constantly bombarded with
advertisements in every venue - television, radio, Internet, billboards,
magazines, store signs, mailers, etc. Christmas has become about making money
and about convincing people to spend money. People's yards are filled with
hundreds of dollars worth of lights and decorations, as each person tries to
outdo his neighbor.
Second, corruption. Christmas has been hijacked by good
sentiments. Probably the most questionable and offensive one is Santa Claus,
but the essence of Christmas has been changed in so many other ways. Some of
them are good - being charitable, spending time with family and friends,
thinking positive thoughts of love and kindness, but even those good things
fall short of recognizing Christmas for what it is. Other changes are decidedly
negative, with increased (and sanctioned) use of alcohol, accompanied by
partying and even dancing to Christmas carols.
Third, gift-giving. When I was a child, we often got one
gift, usually something we needed. Today's parents are pressured to give more
and more, both in quantity and in extravagance. Even for those to whom we want
to give, there can be the difficulty in knowing what to give, the inconvenience
of shopping, and the added expense. Then the realm of recipients keeps growing,
as we are asked for money on all sides. We are asked to give money to multiple
people, organizations, and causes, some of which we love and support, but we
don't have the resources to participate in every opportunity. Christmas could
be dreaded simply from not having the money in the budget.
Fourth, busyness. December can become crazy, with parties,
activities, and gatherings. There can be extra church activities, including
special services, programs, and rehearsals. Personal life has to accommodate
extra cooking, hostessing, cleaning, and shopping. We can simply be exhausted.
Fifth, loneliness. Christmas can be difficult for those who
are separated from family. While this can be hard enough in a special one-time
situation, the difficulty can grow when it is repeated year after year or when
the faraway loved ones are having an especially meaningful gathering or a difficult
challenge. Christmas can also be especially hard for those who are alone. At a
time when it seems everyone around them is enjoying family activities and
sharing special moments, they have no one to gather with or share traditions
with. A time that is associated with the height of happiness for others becomes
the opposite for the lonely.
Sixth, expectations. Christmas is a time of excitement and
anticipation. If the expectations are not met, there can be great hurt and disappointment.
If the expectations of a wonderful Christmas are met, there can be a huge letdown
when life returns to boring normalcy.
All of these are reasons not to like Christmas, but none of
them (other than the church services) are truly Christmas! So if anything about
this season threatens to discourage or overwhelm you, I hope that you will
remember and focus on real Christmas instead. When we remember that message,
there is nothing negative or unwelcome. Jesus came to be our Savior. He came to
redeem lost souls and to rescue lost sheep. He came to love the unlovable and
to reconcile a sinful world to Himself. He came to give hope, peace, joy, love,
and forgiveness.
That is what Christmas is all about, and it is what places
you exactly where you are. It is what gives you your mission. It is your
message to those around you, and it is only the impact of the gospel that can
change all those negative aspects of Christmas. As you share the Christmas
message, people can be enlightened to understand what really matters. They can
be delivered from the sin and deception. They can receive hope to carry them
through difficult seasons. Christmas isn't the problem; Christmas is the
solution!
I wish you all the most joyful of Christmas seasons, with
strength to do all you need to do in ministry and with blessed fellowship with
your family and fellow believers. May you be encouraged and renewed with the
wonder of the message you are taking to your place of service. I pray that in
these days and weeks God will prosper His message as it goes forth from your
lips and from your hands, and I pray that you will see discernible fruit in the
harvest. Rejoice in the Savior!
Love in Christ,
Peggy Holtmember at Open Door Baptist Church in Lebanon, PA
www.pressingontohigherground.blogspot.com
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