Christmas is a time of joyous celebration. Christians rejoice in the coming of Jesus Christ, the Messiah prophesied of all through the Old Testament. But if we’re honest, in the blur of parties and lights we often forget Jesus as the reason for our holiday cheer. Many people attempt to surround themselves with reminders to keep Jesus the focus of their season; nativity scenes, reading the Christmas story by the tree or singing “Happy Birthday” to Jesus are of few of the common practices. Despite our efforts to celebrate Christmas with the right heart, we are struggling. This year, in particular, is revealing of our infatuation with the tradition of Jesus instead of the personhood of Jesus.
Now, don’t quit reading yet! I am not criticizing you for putting up a tree or singing “Jingle Bells.” I adore the cheery lights and snowmen mugs associated with December as much as the next person. My criticism comes from the personal realization of idolatry in my own heart. This year, Christmas falls on a Sunday… the battle between sleepy-eyed present opening or yawning in the normal church pew is upon us. Families and churches alike are wrestling with the decision of proceeding with normal church services or canceling due to the traditions designated for the day.
Honestly, I was frustrated when I heard of the conundrum barreling towards us with each passing day. I am rather selfish with my p.j. breakfast and drawn out gift exchange in the living room with my family. And with my dad being the pastor of my church, I knew a Sunday Christmas would completely change our normal holiday festivities. I felt a dread when I pondered how different this year would be; I worried over what responsibilities would be added and which time-honored customs would be skipped because of time dedicated to the church.
One morning this December, as I was reading my Bible, God wholly opened my eyes and changed my heart towards this incredible opportunity. Christmas on a Sunday? This is not a curse to all our tradition; this is a gift! What better way to center our season on the coming of the King than through an uncomfortable change of ceremony? I did not realize my own idolatry of tradition; I have been celebrating the idea of Jesus coming and not reveling in what He has done for me through His coming. When I consider the gravity of His grace, the incomprehensible incarnation of the Holy God, I am moved to worship. I am moved to praise Him! Suddenly, the presents and the lights fade from my mind when I consider the price tag of the gift given to every soul through the miracle of Christmas.
We cling to our holiday customs as if the season cannot pass without a star on the tree or presents wrapped in colorful paper. We get upset at any threat to our family time or any factor which might hinder what we imagine to be a perfect Christmas. In this case, tradition and family become idols. We are placing Jesus’ coming behind the “priority” of cute family bed-headed photos and placing a weight beyond that of God rescuing us from our trap of sin on a simple gift exchange.
If my Christmas is inconvenienced because of a unified celebration for the miracle of Jesus’ birth, my heart is in the wrong place to make merry on Christmas Day. He is the reason we rejoice! As believers who are redeemed out of total grace, we should recognize the pattern we’ve fallen into. I hope this Sunday Christmas Day brings to light our displacement of joy.
So, what is the big deal if we need to open presents a day early or postpone the family coffeecake until 1:00 pm? Will it really change Christmas exponentially? What if it makes Christmas mean a little more than normal?
If the meaning of Christmas truly is Jesus, why is it such a sacrifice for us to join together on the morning of our jubilee to cry out, “Holy, Holy, Holy is the King of Kings”?
