What is the reason for the season? Do we even know anymore?
In the midst of this cinematic and Hollywood inspired cultural idea of Santa Claus, we seem to look past the real reason. Parents concern themselves more about their kids obeying the rules of Elf on the Shelf, while kids concern themselves with catching Santa in the act. That’s how society raised a lot of people our age. Now I’m not saying that the fun and happiness that Santa brings is bad. There is a lot of positivity that comes from it, but we shouldn’t let that overshadow the real reason for the season. In a conversation with my parents not too long ago, they were explaining to one of my brother’s and I about how they never lied to us, let us ask the questions about Santa and were honest when we did. I appreciate that, and understand that everyone’s upbringing was different. While Elf on the Shelf and the idea of Santa can be fun, it left me thinking… Are we still remembering and sharing the reason for the season?
Take Santa Claus for example, derived from the good St. Nicholas. St Nick was a devout Christian, who sold all his things and gave away all his money to do good for others. Hence where the idea of gift giving comes from. He was living out his instruction to follow God’s plan for him and live like Jesus did. And yes, gift giving is still a focal point for Christmas, but it’s important to remember where that comes from. This was largely some of the inspiration for Vol. 11 last week and the idea of doing a good deed.
So how can we be like St. Nick? It’s not necessarily the gift giving but living like Jesus would and remembering the real reason for the season. How do we inspire others to know the reason?
Think Little Drummer Boy. He didn’t have anything physical to give, but he had a gift. The gift to play drums, and drums create music. That song is a beautiful depiction of exactly how we can celebrate the reason for the season – Worship. What better way to celebrate Christ being born onto Earth, to show us the way we should live than to sing our praises and worship Him? I believe it is so valuable this time of year, and especially in the midst of the craziness 2020 has brought us, to cling to our faith. To celebrate what we have, give what we can and remember Christ. There are so many ways to do this, and I encourage you to find what works for you and do it wholeheartedly. James 1:17 says, “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.”
So, for you it may be worshipping Christ in song. The tradition of caroling is a great way to worship Christ and spread the reason for the season. If this is something you and your friends/family do, find a safe way to do it. It may truly be one of the greatest ways to celebrate the reason for the season and spread the love of Christ. I believe song has the power to heal, move, and bring positivity to people.
Speaking of songs, something I always look forward to is the late, 11pm church service on Christmas Eve. There’s a moment singing Silent Night – where everyone is holding their candle in the air singing, “All is calm, all is bright.” Why? Because “Christ the Savior is born.” The song is always timed right as the clock strikes midnight and it becomes Christmas. For a moment, every single hand raised is celebrating Christ being born to save us. It’s a surreal moment and one that will be missed this year. So for me, streaming church on Christmas Eve is vital to truly celebrate Christ and to have the opportunity to still use worship as a way to remember the reason for the season.
And if it’s not music for you? There are many ways to be reminded of the true reason for Christmas. Maybe it’s the family gatherings. Though it may look different this year, find a way to celebrate health, togetherness, and family. The act of gathering (whether it’s over Facetime or zoom, or if possible in person) with loved ones is so important to remember the reason for Christmas. It’s no coincidence that the Christmas story leads off with a census and families coming together. As we enter into the holiday, I leave you with this – the most important piece of the Christmas story in the Bible, to provide some encouragement this holiday season. Matthew 1:23 says, “The Virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel (which means “God with us”).” The Son of God – with us, for eternity. The true gift of Christmas.
Be encouraged this holiday season, that though the circumstance may be trying and the ways we were used to celebrating Christmas may be different, the reason for the season remains the same. Christ born to us as Immanuel. “God with us.”
WORKOUT
No workout this week as the attention should be on the reason for the season and celebrating Christmas.
I pray everyone stays safe and is able to celebrate Christmas. Tune in to church online, read the Christmas story, thank God for sending his son.
Hammer and Anvil 