It's funny as I start writing this I'm listening to my favorite Christmas song on the radio.... "Heard the bells on Christmas Day" by Casting Crowns. Yet I tell you I am not Christmas biggest fan. I know you're thinking why not? I am a Christian and for most this is one of the most celebrated holidays recognized as the birth of Jesus. But I'm not really sold on that idea... The older I get the more I learn and no one knows for sure when Jesus was born nor is it bible ordained to celebrate His birth. Its a noble thought but my problem with Christmas is the pressures to buy, the lies of Santa, the excessiveness and the depression it may bring.
What to address first? Its a holiday revolving around the thought of giving. Sure we are to be cheerful givers.... But the pressures this holiday brings is more than I can handle. Not everyone can afford to give so much. It seems the only reason Christmas was created was to make people put money into retailers pockets. The list grows everyday from family, kids, co workers, teachers, friends...etc. Its a lot of pressure to give but it also creates a lot of debt for those that cant afford it. Or it creates depression in those that feel they cant give us much as others.
Then there's Santa. How I hate the big old jolly guy... Why? Because kids are fed this lie that there's this guy watching them day and night to determine whether they're naughty or nice. I can't tell my kids that while letting them know that there's only one God who is omnipresent and omniscient. And truth is we are all on the naughty list. If we were being measured by God's law we would all be getting coal under our tree. Its a hard to teach of grace when we are told Santa will give us what we deserve. We deserve nothing...and I rather teach my kids the greatest gift ever given though we were unworthy... Was Christ dying at the cross to be the sacrifice for our sin is and give us eternal life. Another problem with the ole "saint nick" is that the little kids who believe in him compare presents. How do you explain to a little kid why Santa got someone a castle while they only got a doll? I like our kids to know that its their parents generosity that gets them anything. It helps them learn appreciation for money, to not expect everything as if it comes magically.
The excessiveness....everyone wants to spend tons of money and out do the next person. The lines are long. The malls are packed. Everyone is buying things they don't need. Materialism at its finest. Food, chocolates, candy, stocking stuffers, holiday cards, Christmas lights, decorations...all this cost money! And it adds up.... Also there are activities at schools, church, work parties, dinners.... How can people not be stressed? There's a million things to buy and do. All with the same amount of money you make.all year and the same 24 hours in a day. There's research that shows this is the most depressing time for some. People with no family or a place to live. People at this time of year need more than just presents, they need hope.
I know its the most wonderful time of year for most. Time off work and school. Time for family and giving. And of course Christmas carols on the radio and everyone "celebrating" the birth of Jesus. But I have a problem with this day...
I want to encourage you to not give in to the pressures or excessiveness Christmas brings. God does not love you less if you can't afford to keep up with the Jones's or if you don't buy everyone you know a present. I encourage you to think about the lessons you're teaching the kids with Santa. .and to help them realize how fortunate they are to have loving families more than anything money could buy. The best presents are not always the ones wrapped under the tree. I encourage you to give to people outside of your list... Maybe a homeless person, foster kids, those in a hospital. I can't say it enough...we all have something to give. A smile, a visit, encouragement...
I encourage you to know the "reason for the season" is more than just baby Jesus in a manger. His birth was not recognized by many at the time He was born. People failed to see him as the promised Messiah, which is the same reason He was crucified. The greatest miracle and gift there is.... Is not only that he was born, but that He lived the perfect life without sin to be the ultimate sacrifice and give us eternal life. Through his birth, life , and resurrection, He showed the love of the Father. He gave us access to love and we are no longer seperated by sin. As you sing songs about baby Jesus and his birth, I encourage you to see what He did to give you life. I pray you would get to know Him as your lord and savior. That you would experience the best Christmas gift. I pray you would have His peace and joy all year long.....
I encourage you to enjoy all your Christmas family traditions but maybe think outside the typical box. Enjoy the time with your family...
-Love, Meli
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