Well, ok, I don't really hate Christmas...I hate the commercialization of it! Now I know that the Christian tradition of celebrating Christmas actually grew out of pagan sacramental practices. But I also know and am convinced that the nature of God is to take stuff that's bad and make it good. So why not take pagan practices centered around the winter solitice and have a church holiday?
But I think our culture goes too far when it comes to Christmas consumerism. I remember going into a local department store in late August and seeing all the Christmas wrapping paper and ornaments out! Christmas is obviously big business in retail. And I like buying and giving (and receiving) presents as much as the next guy. But when the true meaning of the season, (i.e. the advent of God into the world in Christ) is so smothered by buying, selling and greed, then I think we've gone a little too far.
Even in church we are sometimes hardpressed to really fully appreciate the epiphany because we are so dog-gone BUSY! I hope that you will join me in a simple prayer that we will stop and think about the real reason we celebrate this Holy holiday. Let us not forget that Christ came for every person to have an opportunity to experience reall life in God through Him. JESUS IS THE REASON FOR THE SEASON. Let's make our hearts a modern day Bethlehem where Christ can be born over and over again!
Have a Great Christmas!
methmusician
PS I hate shopping, too.
