Since Christmas is rapidly approaching, it seems appropriate to discuss the spirit and the origin of Christmas, something we often forget! I will agree that I love the presents and the lights, and all of the things that we are used to now for our culture. Yet, we do forget the actual reason Christmas became a holiday in the first place. I am not the most religious person, but I do think it is important to celebrate the reason we have this holiday and that it is a religious holiday first and a social holiday second. While I understand the desire to celebrate and give gifts, but again this is not what Christmas was meant to be. I do also know that the placement of the Christmas holiday was to coincide with the winter solicitous, but the celebration is for Jesus' birth.
I was watching a Hallmark Christmas movie, something I love to do! They are so predictable and tacky, but they are addictive! This particular movie, like most, was all about finding the Christmas spirit and for the main character to remember how much fun Christmas was when they were a child. Yet her finding this Christmas spirit deals with finding a man to love, making cookies, sharing presents and that is all which are things I enjoy during the holiday. And I do understand that not everyone is a Christian so they do not believe in Jesus Christ but that would also mean they would not be celebrating Christmas in general.
I don't think anyone should stop celebrating such a fun and giving holiday, I just believe that it is important for people to realize that this is a religious holiday and will forever be that. No matter how much our materialistic culture focuses on the gifts and sales and all of the decorations, it is more important to remember the religious meaning of this holiday. God gave the world a light to guide us out of the darkness he gave us himself in human form to forgive us for all the sins committed. Though I do love all of these traditions, gifts, and decorations I still recognize that this holiday is first about the birth of a Lord and Savior for a large population of the world.
Enjoy your gifts, your decorations, and your treats — but also enjoy the celebration of God's greatest gift, your family and friends. And for those who do not celebrate Christmas enjoy your holiday, or just the Winter break!
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!