This quote from the angels to the shepards watching over their flocks that night, which is recorded by Luke in his Gospel IS the reason Christians celebrate this season we call Christmas (and part of the reason some others do not)!
Now, there has been a controversy for years about the meaning of Christmas, and the war on Christmas, and the commercialism of Christmas. Some Christians get upset for fear that Christ is being taken out of Christmas, and others believe that He was never "in" Christmas. We do not know the actual date of the birth of Jesus, and it was very likely that it was not during December anyway. There is a lot of myths and traditions surrounding this particular holiday that some object to, and others defend.
While I am aware of the many arguments from both sides, the brevity of this post cannot do more than to acknowledge such controversy, in order for me to focus the emphasis of this post mostly on a comment I have about a very recent and public tragedy, shed in the light of an important reason for this season.
The recent public tragedy I am referring to is of course the mass shooting, and murder of 20 kids and 6 adults at the Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut. During one of the many news broadcasts, and human interest stories that I listened to, it was mentioned that some of the families were taking down their Christmas decorations because they did not feel it was appropriate to celebrate the holiday in light of fact that their children were killed. And who am I to say any different? Indeed they have every right to express their grief in whatever way that gives them some relief.
There is no right or safe way for me to comment from the outside about what those on the inside choose to do, but I am hoping that since it is after the fact, and this Christmas will have passed by the time this is posted, my thoughts may be considered with less emotion and more reason, whether agreed to, or disagreed to by the reader.
The first thing that came to mind after hearing about the desire to "cancel Christmas" was; that if Christmas was just a holiday, and had no other meaning other than a secular celebration of Santa, and toys, and days off school, and parties, then by all means, take the decorations down! There is no joy available, nor hope of any goodness nor reason to celebrate so soon after such an event. And every year for years to come, this time of year will bring fresh memories to tarnish any future joy or happiness in the Christmas' to come.
But, if indeed, the True meaning of Christmas; yes the True Reason for the Season is understood to be in fact, the celebration of the birth of Jesus, then there is no more appropriate NEED for Christmas than right now! "But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope." I Thess. 4:13
The school shooting replaced their hope with despair, but Christmas is all about the One who is the Hope of the world! The school shooting is all about an evil act, and yet Christmas is all about an act of the highest Love! The school shooting was an act causing death with weapons of warfare, and yet Christmas is all about an act of the giving of life with an announcement of "Peace on earth, good will toward men!"
For those families in Connecticut, this Christmas season came with a terrible act of violence, causing much weeping and sorrow. Likewise, at the time of the birth of the Savior of the world, it was also filled with a great act of violence and bloodshed. " When Herod realized that he had been outwitted by the Magi, he was furious, and he gave orders to kill all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old and under, in accordance with the time he had learned from the Magi.Then what was said through the prophet Jeremiah was fulfilled:"A voice is heard in Ramah, weeping and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children and refusing to be comforted, because they are no more."
Matt. 2:16-18
If Christmas is a time of celebration for celebration's sake, then by all means take the decorations down! If it is just another holiday, then take the decorations down. If it has no meaning or significance, then everybody; take the decorations down! What are you celebrating anyway? If it is just so that the stores can add profit enough to get out of the red, and into the black, then that is not enough of a reason for anyone to bother with all of the trouble and expense.
This post is not meant in anyway to chastise anyone for their sorrow, or their handling of their sorrow, but if it can be received in the way it is intended, then my hope is that by reflecting on the greater hope that we have because of a death, that began as a birth, in a little town in the Middle East, some 2,000 plus years ago; then whether we are talking about this tragedy, or any other at any other time of year, there is one who came to heal the broken hearted, and to set those who are captive free.
The Christmas season can hold a lot good and bad memories for a lot of people. I think everyone has Christmas memories they can share. I remember some of the gifts I got for Christmas when I was younger, and the traditions we had as a family growing up. We even have some traditions of our own now, and memories that we have fostered over the years.
I watched videos of soldier dads surprising their kids by coming home on Christmas, which will be remembered by them for a life time, but their are never videos of the dads that don't make it home which will be remembered too. My friend's dad died just a few weeks ago, and my dad is spending this Christmas in the hospital.
All of these are strong memories tied to a very memorable time of year, which is either just memorable because it is just another holiday, or it is a special holiday, because it has a special reason for it's existence. Special because it is used to celebrate the promise of Hope, and Love, and Salvation, and Joy to the world!
Perhaps, it is a good idea to keep the decorations up. Perhaps, such promise can heal the wounded hearts.Perhaps hope can replace despair. Perhaps, we can once again discover that out of the dung pile of evil, the Rose of Sharon can still bloom, in our hearts and provide for all mankind, A Reason For The Season?
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