What does Christmas mean to Christians?
Christmas Day is quickly approaching,
and for many of us this means a yummy
turkey dinner with family and friends, a
glass of eggnog in front of a warm fire, a
time to decorate our home, put up the tree,
and engage in our family traditions... and of
course watch our favourite Christmas
movies (the classic Frosty the Snowman is
my family's favourite!).
However, the face of Christmas has changed in recent times, and as a Christian I wonder how much spiritual significance this time of year actually has anymore.
I'm sure at some point or another you've heard the plea from our country's devout to “put Christ back into Christmas,” and in many regards, I'd have to say I totally disagree — surprising? The Christ who is found in the Bible — the loving servant concerned with the needs of others before Himself — is difficult for me to find in most people during this time of year. I personally see the overwhelming consumerism and materialism of the holiday season as something totally counter to the Gospel's message and to what Jesus preached, not to mention the fighting and bickering between families about who gets who and what and when, the arguments between people with differing worldviews and the general spirit of over indulgence that plagues the season. This spirit that rules the season is something I'd personally rather not see Jesus Christ's name mixed up in. This may seem a little negative, but I feel it is an important opinion to be stated, and I am hopeful there are those who can sympathize with what I am trying to say.
The biblical birth narrative is what many people claim they want to see as central focus of the Christmas season. Now the entirety of the nativity of Jesus is too large to include here, but the basics go as follows: The time came for the baby to be born, and Mary gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for her and her husband Joseph at local inns. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them… the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord” (Luke 2:6-11). This is a story of hope, joy, and love. And Jesus grew up to preach things like servitude, generosity, humility and selflessness.
If Christians truly want to see the “Christ” put back into Christmas this season, then my challenge to them is to act like the one whose birth we are celebrating: that humble servant to all people, born in a dirty old stable as a sign of hope to all people.
Editorial opinions or comments expressed in this online edition of Interrobang newspaper reflect the views of the writer and are not those of the Interrobang or the Fanshawe Student Union. The Interrobang is published weekly by the Fanshawe Student Union at 1001 Fanshawe College Blvd., P.O. Box 7005, London, Ontario, N5Y 5R6 and distributed through the Fanshawe College community. Letters to the editor are welcome. All letters are subject to editing and should be emailed. All letters must be accompanied by contact information. Letters can also be submitted online by clicking here.
However, the face of Christmas has changed in recent times, and as a Christian I wonder how much spiritual significance this time of year actually has anymore.
I'm sure at some point or another you've heard the plea from our country's devout to “put Christ back into Christmas,” and in many regards, I'd have to say I totally disagree — surprising? The Christ who is found in the Bible — the loving servant concerned with the needs of others before Himself — is difficult for me to find in most people during this time of year. I personally see the overwhelming consumerism and materialism of the holiday season as something totally counter to the Gospel's message and to what Jesus preached, not to mention the fighting and bickering between families about who gets who and what and when, the arguments between people with differing worldviews and the general spirit of over indulgence that plagues the season. This spirit that rules the season is something I'd personally rather not see Jesus Christ's name mixed up in. This may seem a little negative, but I feel it is an important opinion to be stated, and I am hopeful there are those who can sympathize with what I am trying to say.
The biblical birth narrative is what many people claim they want to see as central focus of the Christmas season. Now the entirety of the nativity of Jesus is too large to include here, but the basics go as follows: The time came for the baby to be born, and Mary gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for her and her husband Joseph at local inns. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them… the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord” (Luke 2:6-11). This is a story of hope, joy, and love. And Jesus grew up to preach things like servitude, generosity, humility and selflessness.
If Christians truly want to see the “Christ” put back into Christmas this season, then my challenge to them is to act like the one whose birth we are celebrating: that humble servant to all people, born in a dirty old stable as a sign of hope to all people.
Editorial opinions or comments expressed in this online edition of Interrobang newspaper reflect the views of the writer and are not those of the Interrobang or the Fanshawe Student Union. The Interrobang is published weekly by the Fanshawe Student Union at 1001 Fanshawe College Blvd., P.O. Box 7005, London, Ontario, N5Y 5R6 and distributed through the Fanshawe College community. Letters to the editor are welcome. All letters are subject to editing and should be emailed. All letters must be accompanied by contact information. Letters can also be submitted online by clicking here.
