Does it seem to you that this time of the year brings out the best and the worst in people? People become more generous and more compassionate, yes, but also more hostile and more dogmatic as well.
I am aware of the complexities of the season. As Canada becomes more pluralistic in its religious make-up, more people are celebrating other holidays like Hanukkah or Winter Solstice, sometimes Ramadan too. “Merry Christmas” is a narrow scope.
In addition, many Christians are becoming antagonistic towards Christmas for a number of reasons: the commercialism, the greed, or the fact that the holiday has so many pagan connections in its history. These are all valid reasons.
A person could debate the pros and cons of Christmas all season long, and I only have 400 words, so I won’t. I do believe that Colossians 2, especially verses 16 and 17, frees me up either to celebrate Christmas or not to. If you celebrate, fine. If not, that is fine too.
What is not cause for celebration, though, is the lack of grace shown by people toward those who disagree. If grace came through Jesus (John 1:17), why are we so argumentative about the day we call His birthday? Yes, I know, He was likely born in September, not December 25. That’s the point: argue first, listen later.
Jesus called Himself the light of the world – John 8:12. Likewise, those who trust in Him are also light – Ephesians 5:8 – so we should live like it. Grumbling about someone wishing Happy Holidays or Season’s Greetings, instead of Merry Christmas, does not make our light shine brightly. Being snippy with cashiers in a busy store does not make our light shine brightly. Complaining about other people’s Christmas (or lack thereof) activities does not make our light shine brightly.
So what does cause our light to shine brightly? Saying thank you, and meaning it. Thinking of the less fortunate. Allowing other people to be themselves, and worship in their own ways. Listening as others talk. Slowing down, and staying awhile. Showing mercy to someone who doesn’t deserve it.
The song says, “How silently, how silently the wondrous Gift is given.” The message of Christmas is deceptively simple. It’s God with us. It’s that the light has come into the darkness. If you make it about the right words, or the right culture, or the right behaviour, from others or from yourself, you will be disappointed. Christmas is about Jesus. I encourage you to look to Him this season.
I am aware of the complexities of the season. As Canada becomes more pluralistic in its religious make-up, more people are celebrating other holidays like Hanukkah or Winter Solstice, sometimes Ramadan too. “Merry Christmas” is a narrow scope.
In addition, many Christians are becoming antagonistic towards Christmas for a number of reasons: the commercialism, the greed, or the fact that the holiday has so many pagan connections in its history. These are all valid reasons.
A person could debate the pros and cons of Christmas all season long, and I only have 400 words, so I won’t. I do believe that Colossians 2, especially verses 16 and 17, frees me up either to celebrate Christmas or not to. If you celebrate, fine. If not, that is fine too.
What is not cause for celebration, though, is the lack of grace shown by people toward those who disagree. If grace came through Jesus (John 1:17), why are we so argumentative about the day we call His birthday? Yes, I know, He was likely born in September, not December 25. That’s the point: argue first, listen later.
Jesus called Himself the light of the world – John 8:12. Likewise, those who trust in Him are also light – Ephesians 5:8 – so we should live like it. Grumbling about someone wishing Happy Holidays or Season’s Greetings, instead of Merry Christmas, does not make our light shine brightly. Being snippy with cashiers in a busy store does not make our light shine brightly. Complaining about other people’s Christmas (or lack thereof) activities does not make our light shine brightly.
So what does cause our light to shine brightly? Saying thank you, and meaning it. Thinking of the less fortunate. Allowing other people to be themselves, and worship in their own ways. Listening as others talk. Slowing down, and staying awhile. Showing mercy to someone who doesn’t deserve it.
The song says, “How silently, how silently the wondrous Gift is given.” The message of Christmas is deceptively simple. It’s God with us. It’s that the light has come into the darkness. If you make it about the right words, or the right culture, or the right behaviour, from others or from yourself, you will be disappointed. Christmas is about Jesus. I encourage you to look to Him this season.