Today I went to the doctor about my cough and my ear. They were very busy, they wanted me to come back at 2 (and hour and a half away) and when I came back then I waited for another half hour. In the intervening time I tried to do a bit of Christmas shopping and I realised something: Christmas really isn’t about Jesus Christ at all. Not anymore. Maybe once upon a time, when there weren’t as many huge corporations and the majority of westerners went to church, but that’s just not the case anymore.
Christmas is a holiday, it’s a good time for people to take a week of holiday before the New Year. It’s an excuse to make family come together because nearly everyone is on holiday, unlike the rest of their busy year. It is a time for the corporations to make heaps of money while each individual spends more money than they have in the 3 months preceding.
It’s true that it is still a good time for Christians to remember the birth of Christ who came, God incarnate, to save the world from God’s anger which results in eternal damnation. It is also a good opportunity for those of us who believe and trust in such things to tell our friends about Jesus. Then again, we should tell them about Jesus all the time. So really, how different is it?
I don’t know whether I was happy about this observation or not. All I know is that I like Christmas for its pretty decorations, and the chance to take people to church who wouldn’t normally go, and giving presents that I know people will like. I don’t like Christmas for its garish decorations, and the stress of money, and not knowing what to buy people for Christmas, but you have to get them something, if only because you know they are going to get you something.
It’s funny that you should mention that, since I read something about it just the other day, and I felt you might want to see it. Don’t quite know why, but I did. 🙂
Not quite on the same lines, but saying that Christians were ultimately responsible for taking Christ out of Christmas.
What do you think?
Owl.
Interesting take on things. To a protestant it’s very catholic… I’ve never looked to saints, or celebrated their holidays,although I liked this:
“Catholics (and other Christians) have a long list of Bible-based festivals. And as far as saints’ days and so forth go, we remember our brothers and sisters who hae gone on before us — our Cloud of Witnesses.” -Dave
I guess if a holiday is yours and it becomes something you don’t like then as the one responsible for celebrating it, you are to blame. If the church celebrated christmas and now complains about it being all about presents and decorations and no Christ – who’s to blame for starting the presents and decorations?