Here’s something that’s probably a different way to view Christmas. It looks the way we do Christmas now – and how it used to be in the days of the early Christian church. It starts off with:
Why does Christmas matter? Is it the shopping, so we can give gifts? Maybe the shopping, because it’s important for companies to make money? Or maybe you’re part of that seemingly ever decreasing number of people who remember something about a little baby being born? How about this – it’s a time to put up decorations outside your house, so all your neighbors know how much holiday spirit you have? Better yet, because it’s a chance to force people to say “Merry Christmas!” Wait – I almost forgot about the chance to feel good about telling fake stories to little kids about some jolly old guy who like to give presents at this time of year.
Why does Christmas matter?All of those things resonate with someone. Of course, there are other possible thoughts as well. Things like a chance to sell walnuts, candles, snow globes, gingerbread, Etc. If I left yours out, sorry. It wasn’t intentional.
But let’s get back to the question. Notice, I didn’t ask what Christmas is about. I asked, why does Christmas matter?
In the middle we read:
Did you get that? Easter and Christmas are clearly times for celebration. Lent is the time for prayer. And while Christmas is also a time for penance (read repenting) – that’s too much of a buzz kill. Apparently the answer to this buzz kill problem is to just ignore it.
Really? Christmas and penance in the same sentence? And they go together? That’s different.
Then a bit later –
So much for the cuddly little baby. So much for the hope, peace, love and joy stuff of the first Advent. The opportunities for that are long gone by the time of the Second Coming. And since the time of the Second Coming isn’t known, then we are actually in the time of the second Advent now. Yes – right now.
The conclusion includes:
So – celebrate Christmas. Celebrate Advent. But know what we’re celebrating. We’re celebrating being part of the wedding feast below – rather than part of the destruction above. However, also remember, only the true followers of Jesus will be there. And remember to live like one. Like a follower of Jesus Messiah.
So if you’re Christian, or if you’d just like to see how Christians back in the early days of the church used to view Christmas – I invite you to read the whole thing at:
Merry Christmas, and hope to see you at Revelation 19:7!
God in this life and the next 