As a Christian, it may seem uncharacteristic to make such a statement. Obviously, as Christians we celebrate the birth of our Savior, and we do this for good reason. However, Christmas can bring out the narcissism in the best of us. For instance, I don’t believe that the “Wise Men” were involved in altercations with others to obtain their gifts for Jesus. I mean, I seriously doubt that Wise Man number three was involved in a fist fight over the last vile of myrrh at “Magi-Mart.”
Why is Christmas such a big deal? Don’t we regularly partake in communion to remember and honor the Illustrious J.C.? Not to sound like scrooge or follow the lead of the ever-enduring “Grinches” of the world, but what makes December 25th such a big deal anyway. Jesus was born once, and that was many years ago. Why don’t we celebrate every six months? Or should we celebrate each month? Why don’t we treat Christmas like a drinking game? I mean, we could all celebrate the birth of Jesus whenever Ralph Kramden says, “one of these days Alice…” Or maybe we could celebrate each time Barack Obama uses the word “change,” or when John McCain says, “my friends.”
My point is this, December 25th is a subjective date set by humans. It somehow makes us feel warm and fuzzy to tell stories and exchange gifts (usually out of obligation) that we don’t use, or more likely, we don’t need. We say to everyone, “Merry Christmas” (or Happy Holidays if we choose not to offend). We work soup kitchens for the homeless, and then we wait for other people to say “thank you,” or, “that Ron is such a caring and generous guy.” We smile at each other, visit the elderly, sing inspirational songs and generally engage in activities that make “us” feel good. After the Christmas season, we sit back and say, “I’m glad that’s over, now things can return to normal.” Is that what it means to be a Christian?
[Jesus] said to them, "You are the ones who justify yourselves in the eyes of men, but God knows your hearts. What is highly valued among men is detestable in God's sight” (Luke 16:15).
Christmas is a special time of year, but “Christmas Spirit” is nothing but pagan hogwash. We should carry the Christian Spirit with us all year long.
Christmas used to be more fun when it lasted two weeks instead of four months. We lost more dead and wounded on Black Friday than a month in Iraq.