Friday, December 24, 2010

Holiday Greetings or O come Emmanuel?

So this is Christmas...the song lyrics say, but what is it really? In this country it used to be a celebration of Jesus Christ's birthday. Now it would seem that has gone by the wayside, to our detriment. Yes, we Christians fool ourselves by thinking we celebrate in our churches and among other friends we greet each other with "Merry Christmas" thinking that it is the birthday we are celebrating. Yes the odd school still promotes Christs's birthday but they are becoming rare. On the radio the other day was a discussion on one school, not wanting to offend anyone had a "summer concert" rather than a Christmas concert. Trying to find meaningful Christmas cards this year was next to impossible at least in the chain stores. Most of what was available was "Season's Greetings" or "Happy Holidays" or Santa themed cards. Imagine what it will be like in another generation. Will there be anyone of the general population who will remember it is Christs' Birthday? Emmanuel - God is with us? The Word made Flesh? The birth of our Saviour? The birth of God's Son Jesus Christ?

It would seem the secularization of our society is nearly complete. The north pole has replaced the manager. The Christmas lights were to remind us of the light of the world that has come, a "Joy to the World", yet for many they are simply a way to make Santa, the reindeer or Charlie Brown light up. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy the lights too but where are the manager scenes in the store fronts?

For those who continue to celebrate Christmas as Christs' birthday I commend you. For those of other faiths who have come up to me and wished me a Merry Christmas knowing full well I celebrate His Birthday I say "Peace and Goodwill to you". Let us be not afraid, the "Light of the World has come"! Let us celebrate, and so in that vain I wish all of you a "Merry Christmas"

2 comments:

  1. Bah, Humbug! People still pray, believe in miracles, and look with hope toward a better day!

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  2. Indeed they do. Would it not be better though if so many more did?

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