Wednesday, December 4, 2002
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Wednesday, December 4, 2002 |
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Making the most of this blessed season By JOHN HATCHER Hey folks, can I give you a potpourri of thoughts about the Christmas celebration upon us? Then, read on. First, evaluate in advance how much time you plan for shopping, holiday cooking, and partying. Then, try to balance that out with the same amount of time for attending special spiritual services, regular church services, worship, prayer, and benevolent ministries to the powerless like the poor, the fatherless, and the single parent mother. It's ridiculous how much time we invest in matters that are not remotely associated with the birthday of Jesus Christ. Second, when someone wishes you a "Happy Holiday," for fear of offending the few, respond with a big, warm smile and say with genuine love, "Happy Holiday to you too and a very Merry Christmas." I fear that we Christians are overreacting to the "Happy Holiday" offense factor that we are coming over a little too self-righteous. Remember, of all types, Jesus had more fits with the self-righteous folks than anyone else, including the outright sinners. Third, don't have a Holy Roller attack when you see "Merry Xmas." Here's where a little knowledge saves you from a random act of stupidity. Hear this: "X" is the Greek word for the sound "Chi." In other words, "X" is a very appropriate symbol for Christ. In fact as I prepare messages, I often use "X" to refer to Christ in my notes. There are greater sacrileges at Christmas than using "X." Like spending oneself into financial bondage while all the time Christ came to free us from all sorts of bondages. Fourth, let's begin to de-paganize Christmas. It can't be done overnight, but we should begin. Let's take back the Holy Day of Christ's birth from the commercial interests. The church and not the shopping mall should be a major focus of the days. I applaud the likes of New Hope Baptist Church's production of The Living Christmas Tree. What was introduced once by a community chorale has been seized by many churches to present the Gospel, indeed the real reason for the season. I commend all those folks who sing, act, play instruments. Indeed, they give appropriate gifts to their Lord Jesus. In another note of de-paganizing Christmas, would it be that Christian parents should seriously consider debunking the whole Santa Claus thing. After all, he and the tooth fairy and the Easter bunny are all fakes. Isn't Christmas about the reality of the Gospel? Fifth, at Christmas time, we should be peacemakers more than any other time of the year. Christmas is about God seeking to be reconciled to his creation, humankind. In that same spirit, we need to make peace within our own families. Where there is estrangement, let us make every effort to heal wounds and seek forgiveness. So, these are just some of my thoughts. Why don't you write the editor and share some of your thoughts with all of us? Here's love to all my readers. The Rev.
Dr. John Hatcher is pastor of |
