What is Christmas all about? It seems we always raise that question every year. And we may have a ready answer: Jesus is the reason for the season. We know the words of the correct answer. Yet, somehow, when we take an honest look at our actions, how we celebrate Christmas, we just might discover a significantly different emphasis in what we actually do from what we say.
Many of us who say “Jesus is the reason for the season” also insist that Christmas is about family. By that we mean that family is priority. We do all we can to make sure that we spend time with family. For many, Christmastime is traditionally family time. But, if we are not careful, family may take the place of Jesus at the center of our celebration. We become so insistent that family comes first that we stress out if a family member says he or she cannot make it to the family gathering. We lose the “Christmas spirit,” and become angry and bad-tempered. What should have been a celebration of the coming of the Messiah becomes a session of complaining or judging and maybe even fighting about the “disrespectful” family member.
Gift giving (and receiving, of course) is also another deep-rooted tradition at Christmastime. It is a wonderful opportunity to express our love for the people we care about. We spend time looking for that perfect gift. But, again, if we are not careful, it can become a source of stress and conflict. What if I do not have resources to buy gifts? What if the gift I want to purchase for a loved one is not available, or is too expensive? How embarrassing if I am not able to give a gift. What if I have to fight with another shopper over the one last item available?
It is ironic, though, that the season designated to celebrate Jesus’ birthday is filled with thoughts of gift giving, but not to the birthday celebrant Jesus. We ask each other: What do you want for Christmas? Or we wonder to ourselves: What am I getting this Christmas? Shouldn’t the focus be on the One who has the birthday, that is, the reason for the season?
This year we have a special opportunity. Christmas Day falls on a Sunday, the traditional day of worship for Christians. Plan to celebrate Jesus and worship him together with your family—biological and spiritual—on Christmas Day this year. Give Jesus the gift of your praise, and offer a lifetime of devotion to him.
What’s your real reason for the season? If it hasn’t been Christ, maybe you still can do something about it. Refocus and make plans to keep Jesus at the center of your celebrations.
—Keith Y. Jainga