 It was sometime around the beginning of September when I began to notice it; the subtle creeping, commercial Christmas. As I recall, Mary and I had just finished our dinner at Cracker Barrel, and on our way out we did what most folks do when there. We wandered around the store a bit looking at the baubles and bangles they sell. They do have some really interesting stuff to look at and some pretty original gifts, if you are into that sort of thing. Nonetheless, as we wandered Mary drifted over to the clothes, so I faded back and worked my way over to toys as is my want in such situations; and it was there that I noticed it. Amongst the toys was a nondescript little sign reminding me that Christmas was just a hundred or so days away, with the implied warning that I had better get this or that toy while it lasted.
At first I simply assumed that the sign was a stowaway from last year’s season, but upon closer examination it appeared to be newly printed and placed. There were no tattered corners, the paper wasn't discolored and the tape had not yellowed at all. So somebody had actually put that thing up four months before Christmas day to get the sales going. It was then that I knew I was getting a bit old for I heard my father speaking when under my breath I muttered, “What in the world is the world coming to?” Since that time I have pondered what import the mess we have made of Christmas has had upon Christianity itself. What damage, if any, has been foisted on our faith by a world mad for money and our participation in the madness? I have often preached that we as believers need to beware of being distracted by the commercialization of the birth of Christ, but upon reflection I don’t believe that distraction is the greatest problem. I believe that the debasement of Christ and cheapening the gift of God’s grace is a far greater sin. Just think of it. God has placed the mystery of the incarnation in our hearts through the coming of the “Babe in the manger” and we have stood by and allowed the world to put the mystery in a box, wrap it with a bow, and place a price tag on it. That being said, I am not declaring a moratorium on gift giving. The giving of gifts is a wonderful tradition and one that builds memories that last a lifetime. I am simply thinking aloud and wishing with all of my heart that those of us who call ourselves Christians could find it in our hearts to place Christ first during this season of celebration; that we who claim to be the ‘children of God’ have the courage to declare “Merry Christmas” because of our unabashed love for Christ; that we put aside some of our worldly pursuits and worldly fears in favor of the things of God. So celebrate the season with your families. Please don’t neglect that. Buy too much if you wish. Eat too much if you must, but never forget what this season is all about. Never forget why we celebrate.
We must be on guard that the miracle of the Christ Child is never overshadowed by the ways of the world, for that Child came to this world of darkness to bring everlasting light and life eternal. This Christmas season let us:
Merry Christmas, Pastor Tony
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December 2024
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