by David Taylor

cabletech1974@gmail.com

It seems that I’ve heard a lot said this year about the horrid
materialism of Christmas. “Christmas is about Christ, not about
presents.” “Christmas should be a time to reflect and meditate.” “How
can we worship the Christ-child when there is so much noise?” And on
and on and on. I don’t suppose that it is really more this year than
most years, but I’ve had a new realization this year.

I think Christmastime is not the time to meditate nor to be somber nor
for quiet contemplation. It is a time to celebrate! The Christ-child
is born, and God has revealed to us His salvation. What better cause
to pull out all the stops and celebrate with all of our gusto?

The Old Testament Israelites did this in Nehemiah’s day, as Jerusalem
was being rebuilt. (See Nehemiah 8:13-18.) King David knew how to
party with all His might before the Lord. (See 2 Samuel 6:16-23.) And
Christ Himself says that there is a time for celebration for the
Advent of the Bridegroom. (See Matthew 9:14-17. Admittedly, the verse
seems to say that the time for celebrating was during Christ’s time on
earth. But, I think it isn’t an illogical extension to say that we
ought to truly celebrate Christmas once a year.)

Now, I do have to give a disclaimer. I also think that our culture at
large (at least, for those of us in Western cultures like the United
States, as I am) tends to not spend enough time in contemplation and
meditation and quiet. We are constantly surrounded by noise and
materialism. (For, it seems, the two often go hand in hand.) Many
college students that I’ve known could hardly stand being away from
their stereos (or iPods) for more than a fifteen minutes. We need to
take more time to think, to examine ourselves, to see if we are
following Christ with all we are. (See 2 Corinthians 13:5.) But, I
dare say, Christmas is not the time to do it.

I also know that far too many associate Christmas with simply the
receiving of presents—and it is true that a celebration is somewhat
foolish if folks don’t know what they are celebrating. Even then,
however, “(it is a proof of His lordship that practically the whole
world sets aside a day to be happy and giving in His name

My conclusion? Yes, let’s live more thoughtful lives, all year round.
Examine your lives every day—and even perhaps especially on New
Year’s. But Christmas is a time to celebrate.
--
Copyright David E Taylor