You’ve heard the Christmas song played in elevators, stores and on home sound systems- “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year”. Andy Williams recorded it. It seems like thousands have copied it. And, when you read it, you find a lot of stuff packed in there. I am glad they threw in “glories of Christmases past”. Without that, we are left with mistletoeing (not sure if that’s a word), marshmallow toasting (not likely in India), and ghost stories (was this a spill over from Halloween?). Really, when you listen to the song, it is very little about the significance of Christmas (the birth of the Savior). But, you might say, “Come on, this is a secular Christmas song. What do you expect?” Well put. But, the real meaning of Christmas aside, it is internally a mishmash of whatever anyone makes of the event.
That is a concern. It is not just that Christmas is moving away from Christ. It is, like everything else in our culture, moving away from any center at all. I did some shopping today. At the end of my time, someone said, “Happy Holidays”. I said (I hope politely), “Thank-you. I am looking forward to Christmas more than the nation’s holidays which includes several days surrounding Christmas. I anticipate the day of Christmas itself because of its overwhelming meaning for humanity. Through it, we have the possibility of glimpsing grace and seeing God’s love first hand. You don’t get that every day. So, Merry Christmas! Look up! Reach out! Receive!” As you might imagine and I really expected, the person smiled a confused smile that said on the outside “Have a nice day!” but also on the inside said, “Give me a break. It’s just a polite greeting. You gave me TMI, buddy.” But hey! I was in the mood.
What surprised me was my walk to the car. I had a young man (compared to me) approach me and say, “Do you really believe that?” I said, “Sure do. More than anything.” He asked, “I think I knew that when I was young, but forgot it. Do you mind reminding me?” [He had no idea that not only did I not mind but have been known to not mind reminding and telling too much for too long.] So, for the next ten minutes in the parking lot in front of a department store I told the Christmas story- full of the curious wonder (why that way, is that possible, angels really?), speaking of what it all meant at the time (why her, why him, why then?), and what it has to do with us today and eternity (for whom, what now, how does it all end?). When it was apparent that things were wrapping up, he said, “I remember the story. I didn’t know it had any impact at all for today or for the world in general. What would you suggest I do about it?” To abbreviate my story here for you, I prayed with the young man and I told him where to find the story in the Bible and where in the same Bible to find out better what to do tomorrow about it. And, I recommended a church or two where he could start a journey. I gave him my card.
I just have come to the place, watching our culture, where its not just a matter of Christ being out of Christmas. Excuse me if this seems to offend. I don’t mean to. It is much deeper than Christ being out of Christmas. It is about Christ being out of view completely and humanity left to its own jumbled efforts to put life together piece-meal. I have concluded that not many have an idea of what is best done at Christmas or how to do it. It is a busy time. It is filled with gladness for most and sadness for a larger-than-you-might-think minority. It is expensive. It affords time to snow ski, spend with family and friends, go on drinking binges, endure endless mandatory parties, attend school and church plays, prepare for next year’s taxes, meet new people, feel isolated and alone, crush and be crushed at Christmas sales events, remember the best of life, celebrate without the husband and father who is stationed in the Middle East, enjoy foods not normally consumed throughout the year, regrettably consume foods you won’t tolerate throughout the year, remember with tears those who are deeply missed uniquely at times like this, make life miserable for those who enjoy themselves while others can’t, go to vacation destinations, open presents, give presents, spend too much, be painfully reminded that you have nothing to spend at all, chill with family, avoid family, watch bowl games, and question which things to add and subtract from the busy schedule next year. I have just scratched the surface.
Christmas is a jumbled mess in the minds of many. It is a confusing mix of good, frustrating, uncomfortable, delightful and disappointing experiences. Relationships either improve or languish during Christmas-time. It is usually a highlight of the year for the extrovert (you generally know who you are). It is a low-light of the year for the introvert who is forced to be in the middle of everything and endlessly socialize against their will (you always know who you are). Instead of the glory of the first Christmas and the anticipation of a very different return; we have marshmallows, trees and lights (I know the meaning of them as likely as you do, but most do not), ghost stories (still can’t figure that one out), Santa, reindeer, Will Ferrell movies serving as a poor follow up to “It’s a Wonderful Life” and eggnog (don’t care who you are, if you don’t like eggnog you need prayer).
I don’t think I have met anyone who wants to be confused. They just are. I meet very few people enjoy living a life that is a muddled mess at times. They just do. It is the confusion of the entire year wrapped into one week. It is a muddled mess on steroids leaving many with a new year’s hangover (even those who don’t drink or use). If you know the reason for the season, help a brother or sister out. Give a reminder. Offer an alternative. Pray a realigning prayer. Bring people home for the Christmas. You can bring them to your home if you like. But, at least bring them home where they belong.