“Jesus is the reason for the season.” You’ve heard it, read it, maybe you even posted, tweeted, or snapped it.
For years Americans have struggled to stay focused on what truly matters in celebrating Christmas versus getting caught up in the commercialism of it. In fact although this year’s expected giving is down because of COVID-19, this year the average American is expected to spend $998.00 in this Christmas holiday season on Christmas gifts and other goodies — that’s between $755.3-$766.7 billion.[1] Planned holiday spending breaks down to $650 on gifts for family, friends, and co-workers; $230 on non-gift holiday items including food and decorations; and $117 on other non-gift items for self or family.
Christmas is big business no doubt. In light of this, Christ followers must strive to keep our focus on the real celebration at Christmas time.
This Concern Is Not New
The concern over keeping Christ in CHRISTmas is not new; there are hints of the dilemma as far back as the mid-60s. Who can forget Charlie’s angst at Snoopy and the other children because he was convinced they had lost the meaning of Christmas in A Charlie Brown Christmas, which first aired December 9, 1965.
One of the most dearing moments in all of television history is when Charlie listens as Linus explains the true meaning of Christ with his recitation of Luke 2:8-14.
Here it is in its entirety:
Christmas This Year
For some of us, we again will seek to help keep our minds focused on Jesus’ birth this year. We will help remind our children, grandchildren, and others that Jesus is the example of the ultimate Gift-giver. As we have heard in the past, we also may say, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Possibly, we will even strive to remind neighbors by including a manger scene out in the yard, or by wearing buttons, or by using a bumper sticker that reminds others of Jesus.
Christmas Is About Jesus
For so many of us, it is so very easy to be distracted during the Christmas season. Is that saying it too lightly? There are gifts to buy, activities to attend, rehearsals to make, presentations to give, meals to prepare, people to see, miles to travel, and the list goes on. Although there are so many temptations in the Christmas season to be distracted by, the simple reality for all of us does not change: Christmas is about Jesus. So are Christmas Eve, New Year’s, and President’s Day. Every day is about Jesus — His birth, life, death, resurrection, and continuing ministry.
As a way to help celebrate Christmas this year, this is the first of several articles on celebrating Jesus during this Christmas season. Over the next weeks, as we each seek to celebrate Christmas this year by celebrating Jesus Christ our Savior, we will consider various aspects of Jesus’ life and ministry on the blog to help inform your celebration and the celebration you have with others this Christmas season.
Special Bonus: Christmas Time Is Here by the Vince Guaraldi Trio from A Charlie Brown Christmas
Special Bonus: Hark the Herald Angels Sing from A Charlie Brown Christmas
Image Credit Rodion Kutsaev
KevinCarson.com | Wisdom for Life in Christ Together