'Tis the season...

I LOVE Christmas! I Love everything about it. I love the chilly weather, wearing sweaters, Christmas cards, Christmas plays, Christmas carols on the radio and in the background at stores. I love Bell-ringers, decorating the tree and of course the food. I love Santa Claus, and Reindeer. I love the Nativity.

What's that? I Love Santa? You Betcha! I've got no problem with the Big guy. I BELIEVE in Santa. I've written about it here before. (In contrast to my hatred of the Easter Bunny!)

Fact is, he's somewhat (if not loosely) based on a real historical figure - Nicolas of Myra. (There's a lot of fanciful stuff related to the legend & supposed posthumous miracles, etc..., but I believe the gift-giving part rings true.)

You see, as we remember the True meaning of Christmas - that God became flesh and dwelt among us in the person of Jesus, I believe that all the trappings of the season just help to make it that much more wonderful and special. Without the incarnation there could have been no sacrifice of atonement for our sins.

But as I've said it before (I'll say it again), we are not commanded in scripture to remember Jesus' birth, but rather his death, burial and resurrection through communion. In the same way though, we should never forget the wonderful miracle of Christmas or let it be overshadowed by commercialism. I would never advocate going overboard with Santa (to the point of lying to your kids) and going into debt as so many folks do this time of year - that's just silly.

What I do recommend though is to ENJOY the season! Make Merry! Spend time with your family! Why not bake some cookies, give small gifts to your neighbors, send cards, go to a few of the parties you get invited to every year. Go to the school or church play, sing in the choir, put money in the bell-ringer's kettle - decorate the tree! This is a wonderful season - a time to remember that our Lord gave us a great gift for the salvation of mankind - He gave Himself! We have such a wonderful opportunity at this time of the year to pry the doors of people's hearts open just a little more - or as one friend and mentor of mine put it, to welcome them home.

And for heaven's sake - don't be afraid to say, "Merry Christmas!" when you see people out in public. There's a lot that has been said on this subject but I believe a VAST Majority of us are more offended when people DON'T say Merry Christmas, but water it down with "Happy Holidays!" instead.

Why not just go all the way then?