Of Trees and Things
Fact: Christmas was not celebrated as a holiday for hundreds of years after Christ was born.
Fact: When Christmas was first thought of as a celebration many early Christians ignored it or were openly opposed to it.
Fact: As Christmas became more of a recognized "holiday" Christians slowly accepted it as part of the culture.
Fact: Giving of gifts to other persons, not the Church, has become fashionable as commercialism of Christmas has increased.
Let us consider: What do we know biblically?
A tree is a tree. Trying to make a case of a tree being evil is a stretch of the imagination. There is no scripture to support any argument that a tree represents cultic or demonic forces. I do not know of any person who has ever prayed blessings upon a tree as an object of worship for Christmas.
After a few days the tree is summarily and without great respect defrocked of its momentary purpose and consigned to a chipper or burn pile. Not exactly a dignified end for an object of religious worship.
The bells, lights, glitter and whatever on a tree may all together be worth what it costs. Maybe not. Whatever. If it lifts spirits and causes one to be in a better frame of mind, or if it causes one to think and care more about others, if it in some way encourages thoughts of gratitude toward God, or if it is a gentle reminder of Christ being born in a manger, well HALLELUJAH!
If you could see how quickly I can follow Laila's instructions to get decorations off the tree and into whatever for storage you would know it is not an act of worship of the tree or its adornment.
Once upon a time seeing cities put up decorations and not recognizing Jesus really irritated me. Walking in malls and hearing Christmas music intended to sing shoppers into a spending mood seemed out of character.
I have changed. No, I do not think I have softened. It is just that with time some things become more clear. If Jesus had not been born in a manger in Bethlehem there would be no Christmas holidays. If God had not sent His Son to earth there would be no reason for Christmas trees, decorations, and Handel's Messiah.
Commercialization of Christmas has its issues. Such are easily resolved. Honor God. Join with a faithful Body of believers. Be faithful in tithing and giving. Live holy. If you can afford to shop in a wise way and be a good steward before the Lord, have pleasure. Just act like Jesus is with you in the shopping, or traveling, or pleasure, or entertainment. Be sure you are acting in character wherever you go, whatever you do.
Consider the timing of Jesus' coming: In the fullness of time (Galatians 4:4).
Consider first the real reason why Jesus came: Because He loved you (John 3:16,17).
Consider the need for Jesus' coming: To save sinners--you and me included (Matthew 1:21).
Consider the optimism of Jesus: He believed that a sinner saved is a new creature in Christ (II Corinthians 5:17).
Consider the price of Jesus' coming and His joy: The Cross (Hebrews 12:1,2).
Consider the hope of Jesus' coming: You/me/us with Him for eternity (John 14).
Think it over as you take time. Do not eat without giving thanks to God for the Gift of His Son. Do not accept presents from other people before accepting the Gift of Jesus as your redemption from sin. Do not open presents and rejoice without taking time to give thanks to Jesus for His willingness to be born in the most humble of circumstances.
If Christmas is over when the gifts are opened and the food eaten, then it is a lousy Christmas. If Christmas is the joy of family and friends in the Spirit of the True Christmas then it will last for a lifetime....an eternity.
This is really not hard work. Just relax. Open your heart to the goodness of Christ's love for you. You will find yourself on a journey that will make every tree more beautiful, every person more friendly, every day a grand opportunity, and life itself an endless joy of celebrating Hope.
May His Peace rest upon you as you celebrate Christ Coming to us.
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
With love,
Pastor Bare