Skip to main content

My problem with Christmas.....


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 





Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Overflow?

I started 2019 in Colorado! Seeing snow for the first time, enjoying friends who became like family. Hopeful for what lay ahead. Optimistic at the word that would describe my year: overflowing! I welcomed my thirties surrounded by love and my husband throwing me the greatest surprise party yet. and though I don't mean to sound like some ungrateful brat that complains and whines, looking back at almost half a year now I cannot seem to find this "overflow" of joy I thought I'd be experiencing. To be honest, its been quite the opposite. That kinda going through the motions- trying to smile at life- hoping no one asks me any questions- type of feeling. And what's even scarier? That up until now, I never knew what that felt like. What's even more puzzling? I didn't even realize I felt this way til a few weeks ago I sat in church and as I prayed about so many things troubling my mind, it came to me. In a song. I started humming- and in my head sin...

Bye Twenties, Hello 30!

As I sit here on the last day of my twenties, I have had a lot of time to look back in awe of what God has done and only be grateful for the life I have lived so far!  I used to look at 30 as such a significant milestone and honestly even one where my youth is fading, yet lately I am embracing it and looking forward to all God holds as all my expectations for my 20s blew me away! Lately, I know every day is a gift to be lived at it's fullest. It's an opportunity to seek more of Jesus, love others and bring Him glory in all I do. And thats exactly what I plan to do in my 30s as well.  I started my 20s being a mother of an active 1 year old boy, and celebrating 5 years of marriage. To say we took the fast track is an understatement. We lived at my parents house and only looked forward to home ownership. That was accomplished! We became home owners and parents of another baby girl by the time I was 23. At the same time, my life was radically changed when ...

M.I.A.

M.I.A is a hashtag trend I've been using on Facebook a lot. It stands for Marriage is Awesome. Last week, I felt the need to put up a disclaimer with it letting people know I am in no way putting it up as if my marriage is the only awesome one, or better than anyone's. My reasoning for starting these series of posts is because I find it so disheartening and discouraging that statistics show less and less people in my age group are getting married or want to be married. And for those that do marry, more than 50% of those marriages end up in divorce. I think a lot of people have misconceptions of marriage and are letting things keep them from entering into one of the greatest relationships and commitment that exist. I know most people will question a 25 year old's ability to speak about marriage and give anyone any type of counsel, but speaking from 10 years of experience, I think I have seen a lot of things I wish I could have done differently and am constantly growing...