You say that exchanging gifts has nothing to do with the real meaning of Christmas; but, I say that nothing is more altruistic than giving someone a present and expecting nothing in return.
You say that it is right to seek out and angrily decry each use of the term "Happy Holidays;" but, I say that it is a greater shame when Christians are the ones saying "Bah Humbug."
You say that Santa Claus is incompatible with Christianity; but, C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien included Father Christmas in their stories, because they believed that, like all myths, the enduring myth of Santa can be used to compliment the Christ story.
You say that commercialism has ruined the holidays; but, I say you are cynical and have allowed this to happen in your own heart. If you allow advertisements and store sales to affect your attitude then it is you who should change.
You are furious because you say that the secularism of Christmas has taken Jesus out of the celebration; but, I say that Christ cannot be removed from your heart, so enjoy the True Meaning that you know, and rejoice because it cannot be hidden from you.
You say that the holidays are empty in modern times; I say that they are only as empty as you make them. Some of us never fail to enjoy a holiday season, so the problem must be in yourself rather than in the world around you.
You say you will attack those who remove Christ from the holiday; I say, love your neighbor and, in doing do, show them the True Meaning of Christmas through kindness. Social agendas and political clamor are never useful tools for proclaiming God's love.
You say you are righteous for your militant stance against secular Christmas; I say that your aggressive attitude prevents you from enjoying the blessing of Christ's Incarnation. More importantly, it prevents you from showing others this blessing, because all they know is your anger and defiance.
While some of you will spend the holiday season whining and fighting endless social battles, others of us will be enjoying time with our families, giving and receiving presents, and reflecting on the birth of our Savior. Choose for yourself if you your holiday will be ruled by cynicism or hope. Don't represent Christianity with a bad attitude.
You say that it is right to seek out and angrily decry each use of the term "Happy Holidays;" but, I say that it is a greater shame when Christians are the ones saying "Bah Humbug."
You say that Santa Claus is incompatible with Christianity; but, C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien included Father Christmas in their stories, because they believed that, like all myths, the enduring myth of Santa can be used to compliment the Christ story.You say that commercialism has ruined the holidays; but, I say you are cynical and have allowed this to happen in your own heart. If you allow advertisements and store sales to affect your attitude then it is you who should change.
You are furious because you say that the secularism of Christmas has taken Jesus out of the celebration; but, I say that Christ cannot be removed from your heart, so enjoy the True Meaning that you know, and rejoice because it cannot be hidden from you.
You say that the holidays are empty in modern times; I say that they are only as empty as you make them. Some of us never fail to enjoy a holiday season, so the problem must be in yourself rather than in the world around you.
You say you will attack those who remove Christ from the holiday; I say, love your neighbor and, in doing do, show them the True Meaning of Christmas through kindness. Social agendas and political clamor are never useful tools for proclaiming God's love.
You say you are righteous for your militant stance against secular Christmas; I say that your aggressive attitude prevents you from enjoying the blessing of Christ's Incarnation. More importantly, it prevents you from showing others this blessing, because all they know is your anger and defiance.
3 comments:
yowser. tell me how you really feel.
Great stuff Adam. Thanks for sharing.
I'm curious if perhaps the chastising tone might not undercut the message itself? Where I come from though, Christians represent their position by an "'bout face" maneuver followed by reaching over so that their hands can touch their toes.
Merry Christmas!
And cheers to the the grumbling and complaining people that are Americans! http://yahoofreak.com/animated%20emoticons/Drinking%20Animated%20Emoticons/beer%20chug.gif
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