Earlier this week, one of my Facebook friends posted on his wall that he was yet again disgusted with all of the secular stuff going on at Christmas time. He had a lot of people agreeing with him. But, there was one who challenged him, stating that his love of Jesus had nothing to do with his enjoyment of movies with elves, presents or the like. He (the friend) responded with, we must keep Christmas “Christ” centered or it will be high-jacked, just like he feels that “Easter” has been. I’m going on the assumption that he means by bunnies, candy, etc., because he didn’t finish the thought.
I didn’t address him on my personal Facebook account, I brought my thoughts here, to my own place where the entire world can criticize me at their leisure. But maybe I should have.
Our family does keep Jesus as the center of our Christmas celebration. I keep an angel on the top of my tree instead of a Santa hat. There is nothing wrong with Santa hat’s. I have Santa hats scattered throughout my house; on my newel post’s, on people’s heads at random times, and actually all around the house, even on my tree. Just not at the top where my angel resides. This is just a subtle reminder to me, personally of Jesus.
I also keep an ornament on the tree, a sign really, that one of the kids made in Awana when they were really small. It’s a foam stable with a cartoon Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus that says “Jesus is the Reason” on it. Next to that is a Popsicle stick reindeer with a red nose that one of the kids made around the same time at school.
I think that what I am really trying to ramble my way towards, is that (as always) people should guard their words. Especially if you are someone who people look to to guide them, which he is. Be less critical. Just be nice. There is enough negativity in the world in my opinion. Knocking people down over elf movies isn’t going to bring them closer to my Jesus. I understand the need to speak to people clearly and concisely about things sometimes, I just don’t think this was the way to do it. Especially when I saw a photo he posted later that week that showed ELF legs sticking out of the side of his Christmas tree. Seriously, elf legs, on his Christmas tree. Please, just stop being so judgemental.
Yes, in our house Jesus is Christmas. To celebrate that, in one way, we gift one another with presents at Christmastime. We also, on Christmas Eve to everyone’s dismay but me, drive around our neighborhood and other close neighborhoods to enjoy the lights. It’s a tradition that I love because we are all together. Usually in our pajamas.
If you don’t know who this Jesus is and you want to find out, there are many, many churches who are telling his story right now. You can read all about him online with a free bible at www.biblegateway.com or www.blueletterbible.org. If you would rather have a real, touchable bible and can’t get one on your own, just sent me an email and I will make certain that you get one. I love a real book over a digital one!
Merry Christmas, Jesus truly does love you.
Luke 2:6-7 King James Version (KJV)
6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. 7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.