We are asked every year as December 25th draws nigh, “Are you ready for Christmas?” Most of us respond by saying we aren’t or we haven’t even started. Sadly, the question and response have more to do with buying gifts for each other than it does in the celebration of Christ’s birth. Christmas is the only birthday celebration I know of where the purposed guest of honor watches the guests arrive to exchange gifts… with each other.
I guess I should clarify my views a bit. I am a Christian, a follower of Christ. I believe that Christ is God’s son who was born of a virgin and died to redeem us. Christians celebrate Christ’s birth at Christmas and his death and resurrection at Easter. Both of these days are “Holy Days” for Christians. I am not seeking to abolish Santa, the exchanging gifts, or the Easter bunny. When our kids were young they sat on Santa’s lap, opened gifts we gave them, and ate chocolate Easter bunnies and other goodies.
However, as I observe how we Christians have come to celebrate Christmas, I believe that most of our “celebration” activities, though good, have become very unbalanced. We may need to reconsider how we celebrate the most important birthday in all of history. May I suggest a starting point? If someone asks if you are ready for Christmas I have a wonderful gift you can give in response. “Yes, I am ready. I can’t imagine my life without the Christ of CHRISTmas!” That may be the best gift you give this season! If you are not a Christ follower, I hope you will see that the best gift ever given was God’s son.
Stan Means
Elder Source Senior Ministries
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