(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this column are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of The Augusta Press.)
This world has many different reactions to this time of the year that we refer to as the Christmas season. Secular society views it as a time of the year when great amounts of money can be made from all the merchandising that takes place. It’s a time when no expense is spared to give gifts of those who don’t need a thing and really don’t even know the reason gift giving is a hallmark of the season. Its time for family get-togethers and fun. People spend huge amounts of money they don’t have to buy gifts for people that don’t need a thing and who really don’t value the gift because they didn’t need it anyway. Most gift giving is in an effort to make sure you don’t look like a cheapskate in the eyes of those who usually you will see only about once a year. People get stressed and fatigued going and buying things is an effort to look generous to those who don’t care about all of that. They just want the gift and usually give a quick squeal and a big “thank you” and that’s about it. Seems like we have missed the point of it all doesn’t it?
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When I was about ten years old, Christmas was so very special. I used to judge the length of a year by thinking about the length of time from Christmas to Christmas. That made a year seem like a century to a ten-year old kid. I knew about Santa Claus but I wasn’t stupid enough to let anyone know. No sir…it was my secret. I had already figured out long ago that a big fat man couldn’t get down a small chimney like most houses had. But nevertheless, it was fun to imagine. My father was a Christmas person! He spared no expense at having a great time at Christmas; gifts, fireworks and all! He could dress a tree better than anyone I have ever seen. A real artist at work! With a house full of kids and limited money, he would make the most of Christmas day! Those are vivid memories I carry with me today.
But, my father and mother always made sure that we understood why we celebrate Christmas and give gifts. They taught us how Christ and Christmas are tied together and how it is a very special day when God gave us his ultimate gift and that was the gift of His Son, Jesus. We understood the meaning of His birth and how we are to live because salvation came to us on the special day of Christmas and that by committing our lives to him in faith, we could live in Heaven forever. The world doesn’t want to deal with that aspect of Christmas. Just give them the good time, the gifts and plenty of party time. To them, that’s about all there is to Christmas. Oh, they might have a passing thought about the baby in a manger and then they will sing Silent Night and learn more about Jesus from that great Christmas Carol than they learned from any other source.
Christian people who are really dedicated to the Lord are awed by Christmas. I have been to that crypt that Jesus was probably born in and it is a most humbling experience to visit that place. It has been my privilege to go to Bethlehem several times and visit that special place. There is a bronze star in the floor that is marking the probable spot where Jesus came into the world. Who knows for sure, but it is most certainly within a few feet or yards from the actual spot where His birth took place. As I stand there, my thoughts are centered on Him and I think of the awesome event that happened there all those years ago.
But, you can’t leave Jesus in the manger and simply go about your life as usual after Christmas Day is over. Christians are not suppose to say: “O.K….we did our homage to Jesus and now its time for us to resume our normal life. We can do this again next year.” The reality and effect of what happened on Christmas Day over 2,000 years ago stays with us each and every hour of our lives. It’s not an on and off thing at all. The birth of Jesus and the effect of His Birth has profoundly affected all of history for all time. Time itself is divided at His Birth with “BC” and “AD”. We refer to the time before Christ was born as “BC”. Anno Domini means “In the year of our Lord,” and it is referring to the time after His birth. So, the birth of Jesus literally divides history. It is that profound of an event and should not be treated as glibly as the world treats it. Sad to say but Jesus hardly gets a nod when people are more interested in the gifts, revelry and feasting. If His birth gives people the excuse for all we focus on during Christmas Day, then don’t you think He should be a bigger part of our personal lives during the rest of the year? Many people who hardly ever darken the doors of a church during the year certainly spend large amounts of money and time on celebrating His Birth on December 25. They might even attend worship.
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If we put as much time, attention and energy on our worship of Jesus as we do preparing for and celebrating His birth, this world would be totally different. Jesus is the only one who can make this old world a new place and we should celebrate His life and work for us every day of the year. Yes, Christmas is a very special day and we should spend more time Thinking About Christmas and its implications for each one of us personally.
Wm F. Harrell…Dec. 17, 2022
Reverend William (Bill) Harrell has been in ministry 49 years. He served as the pastor of Abilene Baptist Church in Martinez, GA for over 31 of those years. He can be reached at wfh@williamfharrell.com. You can also check out his blog at www.williamfharrell.com
