December 1, 2014

Christmas Isn't Our Party

 

For to us a child is born,

to us a son is given,

and the government will be on his shoulders.

And he will be called

Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,

Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

-- Isaiah 9:6

I hate Christmas. Really. Truly. I do. Don't get me wrong. I love Jesus. I'm so grateful for His birth, His life, His death, His resurrection. Unfortunately, that's not what Christmas is about anymore. It's an escalating "holiday" of frenzied shopping, making retailers smile while everyone else racks up debt.

My family is blessed to have plenty. The flip side of that is that they are satisfied with nothing and whine over everything. Nothing is ever enough. The thought no longer counts. It's all about big dollars and glamorous packaging. I wonder how many other families face the same thing. Quite a few, I'd bet.

I have some sweet friends who struggle with this. They are trying to raise their girls with much less emphasis on Santa Claus and things and more on the actual birth of Christ. It is an upward fight. It's just so easy to get dragged in to the "must have" toys and the "good deals" that seem to be everywhere.

I honestly don't know how to get off the roller coaster. Here's the thing: I enjoy buying gifts for people I care about. I like gathering with friends and family to enjoy food, music, fellowship. I love cooking and sharing goodies with others. But that's not what Christmas is about and, increasingly, it all just seems wrong.

 Christmas is about a Savior, who gave up everything He knew in heaven to come down to save us from ourselves. It is about a couple who welcomed a child, following God's will even though they couldn't possibly have understood the path it would take. It is about God's plan to save His people, making us holy through Jesus' perfect sacrifice.

It's not my birthday. It's not yours either. It's Jesus' birthday. So shouldn't the gifts go to Him? Shouldn't our lives reflect His values, His desires? Shouldn't we show reverence for Him instead of living like it's a party for us?