I had a memorable Thanksgiving yesterday however today is what is known as "Black Friday"....so I share this thought about Christmas.
It was written by Susie at Recovering Church Lady. I must confess that I did gripe about Christmas being too commercialized....til I read this post on her blog:
Christian Grinches?
Written Dec. 2010........
You will not read many rants on this blog but I do have an issue with a
phenomenon that occurs every Christmas and it really bugs me. I do not
understand the Christians who gripe about how "our" holiday is being
ruined by commercialism, greed and division. Don't they see that they
are ruining it by complaining and moaning about it all season?
I read a news article about some
church people and atheists who are putting up dueling billboards to
prove.....well, I don't know what they are trying to prove, it makes no
sense! Do they think that some words on a big sign are going to change
the way a nation thinks about Christmas? Or about Jesus?
The fictional character, the
Grinch is about a creature who hates all the warm fuzzy feelings and
spirit of giving that appear every December. Scrooge would get along
really well with him. Unfortunately I am seeing and hearing a lot of
church people who could be part of the same club! All they talk about is
the greed and commercialism of Christmas. Don't they hear themselves?
The subject is the opposite side of the issue but the mood and tone are
exactly the same!
Maybe it is a 'glass half full or glass half empty' kind of thing. I see this time of year totally different.
I walk through stores and hear
God being honored and praised in the overhead music being piped in for
all to hear. Can you imagine any other time that the words, "Glory to
God in the highest" would be resounding in your ear as you are reaching
for the dish soap off the store shelf?
The
malls are crazy-busy and the lines are long, but it is because everyone
is hunting down a gift to give away. The desire to find the perfect
item that will bring a smile to a friend can't be a bad thing, can it?
We are spending hard-earned money to express our love for one another.
Not only are we buying gifts to give away but the treasure is being
wrapped in pretty paper and sparkly bow, so that it brings a smile even
before the friend knows what is hidden inside!
What other time of year could
you get away with walking from house to house singing songs about Jesus?
I know that Christmas caroling does not happen much any more, but how
crazy is that tradition? The recent uploads of flash mob musicals on
YouTube are evidence that singing for other's enjoyment is still alive.
Maybe these are the new version of caroling!
Houses and yards are full of
bright lights and scenes of cheer. Just driving to a friend's house at
night is a colorful and uplifting experience! So what if there are more
Santa scenes than Jesus scenes! Both are delivering a message of love
and generosity.
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| My Santa collection. |
I love Jesus and I love Santa. I
also have no problem distinguishing which one is real and which one is
pretend. My Christmas includes both of them and seeing more Santas in
store decorations does not make me angry or jealous that Jesus is not
getting enough attention. I know He is the reason for the season but I
don't need to walk around shouting it to the world.
This is a unique time of year
when we as Christians have so much opportunity to love others and give
of ourselves in so many ways. We can walk around humming songs that
speak of angels and the Savior. Strangers aren't freaked out if we smile
at them and say "Merry Christmas", blessing them as we go about our
daily business.
What is the main question people
ask one another at this time of year? "Are you going home for
Christmas?". This holiday promotes family time and gathering with our
loved ones. Christmas movies and stories are about forgiving one another
and letting bygones be bygones. Hallmark movies make us all teary and
mushy because they point us back to our families and healing old
wounds.
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| Jesus is the center of it all! |
There is something about this season
that calls us up to a better, kinder, more loving standard. Why complain
about commercialism when it is pointing people in the right direction
ultimately? I plan on exploiting Christmas and enjoying every
opportunity to smile big at strangers and totally ruining the dark moods
of the Grinches!
