Bart Simpson said, "Christmas is the time of year when all the faiths in the world come together to worship Jesus" It's kinda funny when Bart says it, because there is a small hint of truth to it. Not that other faiths worship Jesus, but that many have adopted Christmas as a holiday. Maybe a secular holiday, or a commercial one, or just an excuse to eat a lot and give presents.
Maybe this is just an American, or Western practice. And certainly isn't universal, but I have many athiest friends that celebrate Christmas. The Muslim friends I have, have a tree and give gifts. The Jews, often won't have a tree, but they have Chanukah, and give presents. Which isnt the same at all, but brings me to what I want to talk about, giving.
Many people, myself included have gotten upset about the comercialisation of the world. Christmas has gotten taken over by the ad agency. It is just a commercial holiday and so forth. I have been very cynical, and even didn't want to have a tree.
I have a good friend who informed his very serious girlfriend that she wouldn't be getting a Christmas present, because he didn't believe in it. Not that he didn't believe in Jesus, he doesn't, but that is not a prerequisite it seems to celebrating Christmas. But didn't believe in giving gifts out of obligation. She told him she understood, but hoped if they ever had children he could "get over himself"
I understand his position, and was thinking about it last night while shopping for people . We don't have much money, why should we feel compelled to get people stuff. And what does it have to do with Jesus. Well the thought I came up with is, we are looking for an excuse to give gifts. Christmas is a good excuse. Doesn't even matter if you follow Jesus. We love to give, and if we are honest we love to receive also. We look for excuses to do these things.
But Christmas is a good excuse, especially if you are a follower of Jesus. Not because of the kings that dropped off some presents for Jesus. Not because of the true story of St. Nicholas. But because essentially this is what the birth of Jesus was, a gift to mankind. The ultimate gift. And this precious child was entrusted to the world, for its own sake, and at much sacrafice.
Should we go into deep dept to buy presents? Probably not. But sacraficing a bit, to let others know you care about them. To extend a bit of joy. To give, well that is the real meaning of Christmas, isn't it?
