Here again we come to that time of year called “the holidays.” Veteran’s Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day. Traditionally families gather, feast, relax and travel. For some, lots of travel takes place. More than anything else in our society it portends feasting and football. And it is good to hang out with loved ones and friends and to enjoy seasonal treats that we seldom indulge in at other times of year. But commonly lost in the shuffle is the actual reason that we celebrate such days. When Cindy and I lived in Germany we watched with curiosity the festival processions, special church services, parades etc. that the people of our part of Bavaria joined. Yet when we asked what the reason for the day was we were commonly told, “It is a tradition; we always do this.” It made us think of our own traditions and why we celebrate them. As a society we have come far from the original mood and intent of so much of what we celebrate. It helps to understand Israel’s falling away that the bible records. They were (and are) like us - they often did “what they always did” at certain times of year. Special days and seasons lost significance for many and were doubtless commercialized. Sukkoth, Passover, Yom Kippur, Chanukah surely meant more to some than to others. How do we confront this? There are several ways but here are some to consider:
1. Focus on the main thing: On Thanksgiving, remember the Lord and His goodness and give thanks. On Christmas focus on the incarnation of Jesus and the reason for it. Parents, it is a very good thing to make Him the focus. What an opportunity to tell your kids about salvation!
We have tried hard to avoid the increasing “paganization” of any holiday observances with roots in our faith. We celebrate our Savior. Likewise, for Easter we focus on the sacrificial death and resurrection of Jesus. On veteran’s day it is important to remember the sacrifice of those who have served and are serving in the uniformed services. You get the idea.
2. The commercialization of the Christmas season is especially annoying and ungodly. It is all about stuff. Advertising starts in September in some places. There is a short detour for Halloween and Thanksgiving pretty well gets skipped over (except in grocery stores where there is money to be made selling the traditional foods). We have chosen to give modest gifts to our grandkids and donate in one another’s names through Samaritan’s Purse or similar care ministries. It doesn’t make anyone more “spiritual” if one does this, it just helps us focus better on the reason that we celebrate. Maybe you have a different way to remember Him - this is merely our way. But to see the emphasis devolve down to crass and kitschy myths and an orgy of spending is painful. Fight it!
3. Jesus said that it is “better to give than to receive.” Look around you for people in need of encouragement and/or help. Volunteer to help or give. There are many opportunities to give year round but especially at this time. When most are enjoying the holidays some are in pretty bleak circumstances. Love your neighbor.
1. Focus on the main thing: On Thanksgiving, remember the Lord and His goodness and give thanks. On Christmas focus on the incarnation of Jesus and the reason for it. Parents, it is a very good thing to make Him the focus. What an opportunity to tell your kids about salvation!
We have tried hard to avoid the increasing “paganization” of any holiday observances with roots in our faith. We celebrate our Savior. Likewise, for Easter we focus on the sacrificial death and resurrection of Jesus. On veteran’s day it is important to remember the sacrifice of those who have served and are serving in the uniformed services. You get the idea.
2. The commercialization of the Christmas season is especially annoying and ungodly. It is all about stuff. Advertising starts in September in some places. There is a short detour for Halloween and Thanksgiving pretty well gets skipped over (except in grocery stores where there is money to be made selling the traditional foods). We have chosen to give modest gifts to our grandkids and donate in one another’s names through Samaritan’s Purse or similar care ministries. It doesn’t make anyone more “spiritual” if one does this, it just helps us focus better on the reason that we celebrate. Maybe you have a different way to remember Him - this is merely our way. But to see the emphasis devolve down to crass and kitschy myths and an orgy of spending is painful. Fight it!
3. Jesus said that it is “better to give than to receive.” Look around you for people in need of encouragement and/or help. Volunteer to help or give. There are many opportunities to give year round but especially at this time. When most are enjoying the holidays some are in pretty bleak circumstances. Love your neighbor.
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