KEEPING CHRIST IN CHRISTMAS

I’m sure you’ve noticed that many stores have adopted the habit of saying, Happy Holidays instead of Merry Christmas. Both of these sentiments are accurate and if someone wished me a Happy Holiday I wouldn’t have a problem with them saying that. I prefer saying Merry Christmas, but I realize that everyone has the right to say what they want and that not everyone celebrates Christmas.

Does it bother you when people write Xmas instead of Christmas? I admit I used to do this all of the time. I really never understood how they came up with that abbreviation in the first place. But, I am usually all up for shortcuts so I would sometimes use Xmas when I was texting, or emailing. Once it was brought to my attention that it was taking Christ out and inserting an X instead I have tried to make sure that I don’t use the abbreviation anymore.

However, I think you can keep Christ is Christmas in many, many ways and none of them have to do with how you write the name or what you say in greeting. Christmas has become more and more commercialized. People feel pressured to buy gifts even if they can’t afford the extra expense. Instead of giving a gift from the heart it has become more about “what” we give.

If you want to keep Christ in Christmas then start with “what” you do, not what you say. My first “what” is reading about the birth of Jesus. No matter how many times I’ve heard it, when someone begins to read Luke 2, “In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world.” I feel like I’m five years old and all of the wonder and amazement comes flooding over me. Can’t you just imagine it? And the shepherds sleeping at night with their flock? I want to be there!! I want to hear the angels proclaim good tidings! I never once hear the story and start thinking about Merry Christmas vs. Happy Holidays or what I need to buy or if someone wrote Merry Xmas on their Christmas card. It’s about Him!

My second what we do is what we do for others. Feeding a family who is struggling is something that is easy to do. Inviting a college student to eat with your family when they can’t be with family could mean the world to them. I am thankful that there is a wonderful family, Stacey and Joe, who have done this for my daughter in Alaska and I can’t thank them enough!!! Adding a pack of diapers to your normal list when you are out shopping and then giving them to a new mother would be something small that most of us could easily do. Showing the love of Christ is a great answer to “what” we do vs. what we say.

On yesterday’s blog post I asked readers to comment on their favorite childhood memory. The comments mostly involved family. It involved relationships and love that was shared among friends. One of my favorite childhood memories from Christmas involved helping others. There was a family who lived very close to us. Two brothers were probably in their 60’s or 70’s at that time and they were mentally challenged. I can remember my dad always taking a huge box of food to them. I just remember lots of apples, oranges, candies, and a ham. I wasn’t very old and I was really a little afraid of the bothers. I think the idea that you help those less fortunate was implanted in me though at that time.

So, just remember that it is wonderful to say Merry Christmas but it is MORE wonderful to show the true meaning of Christmas in your actions. Little eyes are watching and learning.

Have a wonderful Sunday!