In a word: nothing. We aren't even sure as to the exact day Christ was born. The only real celebrating that occurred at His birth was done by the angels. But they did celebrate with song. It was an occasion worthy of celebration, more so than any event that has ever occurred in the history of the world other than His resurrection after being crucified.
There were many festivals that were already being celebrated by the Jews at God's direction. The occasion of the birth of the Son of God is an even more worthy occasion to celebrate, even if the exact date is not known. It stands to reason that Christ would be pleased with all the songs of praise, the focus on His birth through skits and manger scenes, the prayers of thanksgiving for God's gift to us, and the love and kindness that is shown to others at this time of the year. These are things He is pleased to see year round. It is when the focus shifts from Christ to other things that He would be displeased.
I hear people complain about the commercialism of Christmas, and I have done my share of complaining, but there are many businesses that survive the rest of the year on what they make at Christmas. In other words, Christmas is part of the survival of our economy. When we purchase gifts, we are helping our brother keep his job. However, Christ should be included in this system without being exploited. And our attitudes should never be gimme, gimme, gimme.
The wise men brought gifts to Jesus and God gave His Son to us. Our giving is in response to their examples. In reading through the book of Esther I came upon a passage that says, "That is why the rural Jews...observe the fourteenth of the month of Adar as a day of joy and feasting, a day for giving presents to each other." (The city Jews celebrated, also, but on the 15th.) The Festival of Purim was a celebration of the preservation of the Jews from the intended annihilation that had been planned for them. Gift-giving was part of that celebration. Being prompted to give is a good discipline for all of us. Also, since we traditionally give birthday gifts, why not do so in honor of Christ's birth?
So, where does decorating fit into Christmas? Many of the items that we put on the tree have religious meanings behind them, including the tree itself. The evergreen tree is a symbol of everlasting life. The bells represent church bells that ring in celebration of His birth. Even candy canes were designed to represent his pureness (white), and the red stripes represent the suffering He endured and the blood He shed. The star, of course, symbolizes the star that the wise men followed and the lights represent Jesus, the light of the world, and we His disciples, who are to let our lights shine.
I personally struggle with including Santa at Christmas. Others do not and I respect their choice. The idea of Santa originated when a saint began giving gifts to the needy. This is certainly honorable. But most times Santa gets more glory than Christ, especially with children. This is for each of you to work out with God, as is everything else I have written. I hope I have given you something more to contemplate.
However we choose to celebrate Christmas, let's keep this festival festive. Let's join the angels' chorus. Let's be as wise as the wise men were in our own giving. It is a birthday party, after all. I say, "Let's celebrate!"
Becky Wall
No comments:
Post a Comment