Merry Christmas
I heard this week that the “Christmas War" is over. What that means is that it is now OK to say “Merry Christmas" to strangers again. Retailers as well are succumbing to this backlash against political correctness. We may again expect to hear the greeting of my youth was we partake in the unholy spectacle that is Christmas shopping.
A few years ago, retailers started wishing customers a generic “Happy Holidays." This upset a number of religious posers, who organized boycotts of some stores.
The aforementioned posers are pleased as can be because now the stores are sending the message that this orgy of shopping is about the birth of Christ.
Oh.
Is that what it’s about?
It’s been said that God gave the world the gift of His Son, so giving gifts is the right thing to do. I almost agree with that.
But, is spending over a week’s wages for a box to play “Gears of War" an appropriate way to honor the arrival of mankind’s savior?
Does running up thousands of dollars in credit card debt pay proper homage to God and His gift?
Does pushing and shoving one’s way through the stores so one can be the first to take advantage of the work of some underpaid employee in a foreign land, in what can only be described as a wretched excess of Godless capitalism, bring one closer to the spirit of the season?
Hmmmm.
I believe that God gave His Son to redeem us, so that our sins would be forgiven. Without Jesus, those charlatans who collect money in Jesus’ name and live high on the hog would be damned for eternity. As would those who judge others. Without Jesus, what would happen to those who shun the homeless, the least of Jesus’ brothers? What would happen to all those posers?
The gift of Christmas is the gift of forgiveness. Try it. Jesus taught that if you needed to reconcile with someone, do it first. See how much better you’ll feel.
God’s gift of His Son brought a new way of thinking, along with a challenge to live as Christ lived. Jesus said to feed the poor. Giving a sandwich to a homeless person is a lot cheaper than a Barbie doll, and is a far greater gift. “Loving your enemies‿ isn’t easy, but it’s free. Treating everybody as you would want to be treated is nearly impossible, but it won’t cost you a thing, and it is a gift that truly reflects the season.
This year, save your money. Give the gifts that keep on giving.
Merry Christmas.
Comments
Thank You, Q, for your message about the true meaning of Christmas. A message that transcends many boundaries: religious, political, social, age, gender, race.
Yes, we should all step back and look at our own actions; and then strive to live the Golden Rule all year long. I try every day to forgive my enemies (a recent incident at work comes to mind). Also, a proactive and personal approach to compassion will always work better than expecting that someone else will do it.
For me, I see Jesus as a wonderful historic figure. A great teacher who was made of flesh like you and me. I feel the same way you do about the emptiness of crass commercialism.
Posted by: Frank | December 13, 2006 08:56 AM