Christmas time is here again!
Don’t you just love Christmas? I know millions of kids do. I am one of those who both loves and resists the American Christmas holiday. I hate the secularizing of it, I hate how we have allowed the greed of capitalism to push Jesus out the door of His own Birthday party. I too love Christmas, just not the American version of it.
Christmas in other countries and places does not have Santa Claus but is often more Christ centered. As a missionary traveler, I have seen the humble Christmas worship of Believers behind the Iron Curtain in communist countries, in the poverty of Africa, or in the homes of those more interested in Christ’s Incarnation than they are interested in tinsel, toys, and trinkets.
Here’s a crazy idea- let’s rebel! Let’s not show up for the Madison Ave greedy version of Christmas. Maybe we revolt and resolve to form our own celebration! I recommend we set a new date on the calendar for our Holiday. We can combine Christmas with Easter (no bunnies or colored eggs please) and celebrate Christ’s birth, life, death, and glorious resurrection in one grand day or weekend! How about that? Who will join me?
I can hear the deafening silence! Barry has lost his mind; he’s gone fanatic on us! Well you might be right- I am extreme on this! However, I am right about this- the culture has stolen our celebration and turned it into a thing unrecognizable. Jingle bells and sleigh rides better resemble a pagan winter solstice than they do angels singing “glory to God in the highest!”
So, from my heart to yours- this is Barry wishing you a real Chrsitmas visit from Emmanuel. In the midst of exchanging gifts and eating too much, I urge you to care about what Jesus cares about. Jesus came to seek and to save the lost. As you invite Jesus into your Christmas celebration, may He prompt you to give to those who cannot give back.
Think of those African children who play with sticks and rocks, who have never had a gift of any kind. Think of our BWM staff who annually reach millions with the message of Christmas. I promise you, every dollar given to BWM will bless those who really need the greatest blessing- blessings of salvation, clean water, medical care, sex education, food relief and more- Help me help them-please.
Giving will bless you and them!
Barry Wood