But B — getting into the proper frame of mind for Christmas is the goal this year. I say that every year, but this year I mean it. Really.
Sometimes we get so involved in putting on Christmas that we do not get to enjoy it. It’s a bit like a wedding ceremony for the parents of the bride — you’re so caught up in making sure the production goes off without anyone falling or catching on fire that you don’t get to enjoy the beauty of seeing your daughter marry the man she loves.
Celebrating Christmas ought not to result in a big, “Whew, glad that’s over,” when the last family members depart or all of the decorations are back in the attic. If at Thanksgiving we’re supposed to reflect upon all of our blessings, then at Christmas Christians, at least, should be in awe and wonder about the events that cause us to celebrate. Those circumstances are worthy of feasting and partying; they’re worthy of song and scripture, of prayer and praise, even of celebrating by presenting gifts to those we love.
But most of all, the Christmas story deserves reflection on what it means to us. For Christians, it means everything. It’s proof that God really loves us, that there is life with God after life on this planet ends. If that’s true, there’s no earthly celebration to do Christmas justice.
But Christmas encompasses those who don’t believe, and those who let their faith lapse. You don’t have to show a Christian ID to get into a party, a Christmas Eve service or to buy Christmas gifts. “Jingle Bells” and “White Christmas” can substitute for “Silent Night” and “We Three Kings,” and Santa can wrest center stage from the baby Jesus. Our culture has expanded Christmas beyond Jesus — some would say removed him — school Christmas programs are now “winter holiday celebrations” with due respect paid to Santa but nary a word about the Christ.
That’s OK.
We know why we celebrate. The problem is not others hijacking Christmas; it’s about letting the events of the holiday overshadow the event it commemorates. It’s up to us to make sure that, whatever our schedule, we never let the secular observations take precedent over the birth of Christ.
That’s my game plan for Christmas. Wish me luck.
