This question alone sparks much discussion and controversy in our culture. Amazingly, it’s not just for the anti-Christian crowd. It’s a big one among conservative Christians as well. The fight to keep Christ in Christmas has gone on for years.
It’s fairly often that a person in our circle of friends has considered, or is considering quitting Christmas celebrations. And you may be asking a big “Why?”. You might even be saying, “Been there, done that!”.
The World Versus Christ(mas)
All we have to do is enter a typical store to understand. There are Black Friday sales (long after Friday’s over!) and Santas and trees bedecked with tinsel and lights. There are bell ringers and even more sales, along with store clerks telling us “the color is right on us”. And of course, we have red-robed Santas offering god-like service to entrance our children into wanting more stuff!
All around us we are barraged with Christmas! And it can be tempting to let it ruin our attitude of worship. But…..
But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. The shepherds went back, glorifying and praising God for all that they had heard and seen, just as had been told them. Luke 2:10, 11, 20
A Joyoux Noel!
Our family attempted to go lightly on Christmas for a few years. We tried to make it serious and sober, filled with Bible verses and hymns, avoiding all that is tinsel and holly. But when all was said and done, those years were sparse of joy and gladness and purpose. You see, our purpose was focused on not celebrating too much, rather than on declaring the joys of our risen Savior!
Our quest for finding “Christmas” brought us to a realization of “what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown”. It is a joyous celebration of the Baby, God incarnate, born in human form. My ancestors had it right after all! Being raised in a Catholic home, we celebrated our holidays with feasting and food and decorations. Oh, those were wonderful, dreamy memories for me! And I want the same for my children.
And so, we boldly celebrate these special days of remembrance with decorations and lights and candles. You will find packages tied up with bows under a proud, colorful Christmas tree, complete with manger scene under its boughs! Carols will be playing throughout each day. All to remind us of God’s goodness. All to remind us to share His love with others.
We snuggle up to read our favorite Bible chapters which declare that God’s plan, long ago. An amazing plan to deliver us from our sinful nature. A plan to bring us face to face with Him!
And we sing plenty of hymns and songs along the way. We even listen to Jingle Bells, Feliz Navidad, and Rudolf! >:o) I’m not afraid anymore that these songs will distract my children or draw us away from the purpose of this Season. They bring joy and laughter and inspire us to celebrate!
This Holy Day begs to remind us of a Baby born to us and for us. That baby, Christ, the Lord, is the Messiah! Jesus came so we could have fellowship with our Father God!
During this season, we are drawn into a contented celebration of the One Who cares for us more than any other! Won’t you join me in “making merry” this wonderful Christmas season?!
Merry Christmas!
And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,
“Glory to God in the highest,
And on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased.”
When the angels had gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds began saying to one another, “Let us go straight to Bethlehem then, and see this thing that has happened which the Lord has made known to us.” So they came in a hurry and found their way to Mary and Joseph, and the baby as He lay in the manger. When they had seen this, they made known the statement which had been told them about this Child. And all who heard it wondered at the things which were told them by the shepherds. Luke 2: 13-18
LIsa says
Terry,
I really appreciate this. Your post is the 2nd blog post I have seen recently on this topic. I’d love to hear more about other areas where your family decided to ” lighten up” over the years. :) I’m finding that theme in a lot of conservative blog posts lately, and I’d love to hear more testimonies of areas where the Lord made changes …. :)
livingabovethenoise says
Lisa,
I’m glad this sparked new thoughts for you. I find that God is growing us in many areas that are similar to what I described in this post. Could you share a bit more of what you are referring to in your last sentence? I’m interested in what you’re looking for, but am not quite sure you’re asking how to “lighten up” or how God grows us, possibly, beyond it. I want to be sure I’m understanding you. Thanks for sharing and I look forward to hearing more of your thoughts. Feel free to comment here or write me at my email address. Terry
Bambi @ In the Nursery of the Nation says
I love this post, Terry! And your photos are gorgeous!
livingabovethenoise says
Thanks, Bambi! You’re an encouragement to me. Merry Christmas!
Shayna says
Well said, Momma! I completely agree! I think its important to keep your goal and focus on glorifying God- that is the center of why we live. But God can be glorified in pretty presents, beautiful music, and decorations and ornaments which remind us if our past. There is nothing sinful in these things and they often remind me of that spark of joy and incredibleness of serving a risen Savior! So “let it be Christmas!”
Veronica says
Thank you for sharing this. Until recently, I had never heard of Christians not celebrating Christmas. I admit to having been far on the other side, wrapped up in the materialism and stress and missing the “reason for the season.” This year, however, I am looking forward to soaking in the joy and beauty of Christmas. We are celebrating Advent for the first time and embracing opportunities to give and be a blessing to others during this special time. We are also going deeper in our understanding of the Christmas story. We are soaking it all in and proclaiming His glory!
livingabovethenoise says
Thanks for sharing your story. We each come from unique backgrounds, making it all the more wonderful when God gets a hold of us and reveals His plan. It’s so easy to get sidetracked (said from experience!). Enjoy this celebration!