Dec

26

Oh Dear Suzie - What happened to Christmas

December 26, 2005 |

Despite the questions about closed for Christmas or not, it managed to come to pass as it has for many years. People shopped, some went to church and others did not. Yet in each home it was celebrated as each family chose.

In all the articles I read or browsed through, I found myself agreeing with a few comments made from no less, No God Blog. His observations bring about the points I observe as well:

“The religious right says Xmas is too secularized, and I agree. This is the holiest day on the Christian Calendar, and most people think about Santa Claus or presents, not about it’s religious meaning.

My take is that the reason it is too secular is that we force nonbelievers to celebrate, so we do what we can to enjoy ourselves. Non-Christians or non-religious Christians celebrate the secular aspects of the holiday, so these aspects are highlighted (”Holiday Light Spectaculars”), further reducing the sanctity of the religious holiday.”

Though no one is literally forced to celebrate there are many nonbelievers who participate for whatever motivation. So not unexpected are headlines containing various Christmas topics. There I found one unusual headline. It was in the Kentucky Enquirer’s front page which featured “Christmas at the Casinos.” Why be shocked when only only 5% of adults have a biblical worldview. So these discussions about the secularization of Christmas shouldn’t really be surprising to anyone. I do understand the sentiments expressed in an article found on Crosswalk. He is right that there is no ‘law’ regarding Sunday gathering. It is accurate that those who love Jesus are motivated to gather together. Yet the point almost sounds like the old grandmother playing the guilt card saying, “If you really loved me you would be doing…”

“Others, sadly, are Christians in name only. Far too many Christians see church or worship as a duty rather than a delight. Again, this view is an issue of the heart. A heart transformed by the love and grace of Christ will find greater pleasure in Him than in anything. Yet, in our self-centered, Laodicean, and consumeristic culture, when Santa Claus and Jesus Christ compete, it is Santa Claus who wins…. There is no Scripture that says we must be in church every time the door is open or that we must celebrate the birth of Christ. However, Christians go to church on the Lord’s Day out of love for Christ.”

What message do we send? The unchurched are watching our actions, not our attendance. Our children aren’t watching our church attendance as much as how we treat them and others. Are we kind, fair and even tough when needed. Too many children see adults who act one way on Sunday and another the rest of the time. Usually when someone wants to nail an argument they simple say its for the children:

“Moreover, if we vote to close the church on Sunday simply because Christmas falls on Sunday, what message do we send to our children?”

What is so easily forgotten in this gain for the good of our children and culture is the words of Christ and the apostles to help balance out our perspectives.

One man considers one day more sacred than another; another man considers every day alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind. - Rom. 14:5

Then he said to them, ???The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. - Mark 2:27

Often the argument sounds a bit like the Pharisees arguing about whether Jesus’ disciples should be picking grain to eat on the Sabbath: “What message will this send to the children?”; “Doesn’t devotion to God take precedent over our physical needs?”

May “Suzie” learn from your love for his son and not just some warm fuzzy religious ceremony. In the meantime I hope that you and your family enjoyed some time together this Christmas season. For you who follow Christ may he be central to your life all of your days.

Share and Enjoy:
  • Digg
  • Sphinn
  • del.icio.us
  • Facebook
  • Mixx
  • Google
  • TwitThis

Comments

Name (required)

Email (required)

Website

Speak your mind