Each year it seems to this writer that we, as a society, move farther and farther away from the true meaning and message of Christmas. Secular Christmas music is the rule of the day. Emphasis on the commercialism of Christmas becomes more prominent with each passing Christmas season. “Happy Holidays” is the greeting we hear with more frequency, as the wish for a “Merry Christmas” fades into the distant past. This year, with Christmas Day falling on a Sunday, many churches closed their doors, opting for “family time” instead of taking time on this most special day to worship the One whom we celebrate on this annual holy day.

There seems to be a clear, coordinated movement toward eradicating the true meaning of this most blessed season. Many Christians seem to be succumbing to the world’s secularization of the celebration of Jesus’ birth, making it nothing more than a festive occasion to attend parties, visit with family and friends, and enjoy receiving those gifts that we have hinted at with such clarity that our loved ones could not miss the message.

Now, please don’t misunderstand me. I have no problem with all of those things enumerated above. I love getting together with family and friends, sharing a festive meal together, and exchanging gifts which are (or should be) a sincere reflection of our love for one another. I love the sights and sounds of Christmas as much as the next person – perhaps even more than some.

However, I am deeply saddened about the overwhelming emphasis placed on those things to the exclusion of keeping our focus on the main thing – the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. After all, to quote a well-worn cliche – He is the reason for the season. There would be no Christmas if it were not for the birth of Christ. His name is prominent in the name of the celebration. It is all about Him.

I realize that some of the things I have said in this blog may offend some. I assure you, that was never my intention. But I must say that it saddened my heart to hear of so many churches cancelling services on this most holy day. Parents, what is more important to teach our children about Christmas than the message of God’s amazing love shown to us in His giving His Son? I have been a Christian since 1977, and Christmas has fallen on Sunday only seven times. It doesn’t happen very often at all. As a matter of fact, parents will only have a couple of occasions during their children’s childhood years to have the opportunity to show them the importance of celebrating Jesus’ birth. The gifts under the tree can be shared early on Christmas morning, still leaving time to get to church, where we are reminded of the most amazing Gift of all – Jesus Christ.

Am I being legalistic here? Some will undoubtedly think so, and again, I do not mean to offend. But I think Jesus deserves more than a token tip of the hat on this day that should be all about Him. I pray that this blog will find sensitive ears and hearts upon which to fall, and that we will give serious consideration as to what it really important as we celebrate this most holy day.

Blessings!