Welcome to another installment on Counselor's Corner. I recieved an e-mail the other day that made me think about, and now write what I am thinking. Is Christmas becoming a thing of the past? What I mean is with all of the retail and big money spent during the Christmas season, did we lose Christmas? With the commercialization of the Thanksgiving through New Year's portion of the year, have we forgot about the shepard's vision? In buying that bi-lingual Elmo and fighting in the WalMart for that $300 laptop, did we forget about the multitude of the heavenly host praising God saying peace on earth, good will toward men? In waiting in the line and cursing the people in front of us because they are writing a check for their order at the grocery store, did we forget Mary pondering these things in her heart? In the middle of finding a parking place at the mall, did we forget the animals who shared the birthplace of our Lord and Savior? In all of the chaos of what is being called now the Holiday Season, did we forget that still small voice of God? The answer is sadly yes, we are forgetting the main reason for Christmas.
Elmos, Furbys, computers, oh my! We have been seduced by the corporate world and ultimately the devil himself to believe that it is ok to call this the "Holiday Season." Well, it is NOT OK. We celebrate the birth of our Lord every Christmas renewing ourselves through God's grace. We buy presents for our friends and family because the wise men brought gifts to the Christ child. We decorate with bright lights as a symbol of the star that stood in one place guiding the shepards to the manger. Even the story of Santa Claus fits with Jesus' birth. St. Nicholas was a man who wanted to see every child with a Christmas present. This is the real reason folks. This nonsense of the world making us water down our faith has to stop somewhere. Department store workers can be fired for saying Merry Christmas. Did you know that? I work in a grocery store, I have worked there for 15 years, and if they decide that I am not a valuable employee anymore just because I tell an athiest Merry Christmas, then what kind of company do I work for? That is the problem with the world today. We, as Christians are going through the same trials that Christians went through in past centuries. Except now, the devil figures rather than having unruly kings killing us all, he will try to erase Jesus from our hearts and minds by overpowering and changing the reason behind Christmas, and other religious holidays, and he is succeeding to some degree.
Here is the deal folks. Christmas is all about Jesus. Let's keep it that way. Christmas is not about beating each other half to death because they cut us off in line at WalMart. Christmas is not about people cursing and yelling about a parking place. Christmas is about a baby, a small, poor baby that was born in a barn because his mortal parents could not find a room in the inn. If you ever want to experience Christmas for real, try this, I work retail, believe me it works! When everything closes up on Christmas Eve, just stand still. Yes, it's cold outside, but just bare with me. You will feel the calm wind echoing the angels saying be not afraid for I bring you good news. For unto us is born a savior. Peace ladies and gentleman. Peace is what Jesus is all about. Peace is what Christmas is all about. Don't let the world get to you this Christmas. Say Merry Christmas to everyone you meet. If they get offended, don't apologize for saying Merry Christmas, apologize for them not knowing the real reason for the Christmas holiday. Introduce them to the little baby in the manger this year. Extend the peace of our Lord and Savior to the one who may not know him at all. Thank you for reading, and Merry Christmas!
