This year, there were less lights and festivities in Bethlehem on Christmas.
I think in the West—especially America—we only understand Christmas through the lens of Santa, presents, trees, and hallmark movies.
Sadly, as I reflect today, December 26th, Christmas more often than not hijacked by everything but Jesus.
I saw and read some stories about Christian leaders decisions about their Christmas celebrations in Bethlehem. It would probably be a safe bet to assume many people thought this was a political statement or way to state personal beliefs or opinions…
Regardless, it prompted me to think about my own understanding of Christmas.
So often we see sweaters or cards with “Jesus is the reason for the season” or other such sentiments… I think we genuinely believe this to be true. I really do.
Yet, I think our belief is filled with blind spots.
Let me paint a picture…
What if next December in 2024…
Christmas music was banned.
There were no lights allowed to be hung.
You weren’t allowed to watch Elf or Home Alone (or any other Christmas movies).
There was no gifts under your tree.
There was no tree.
Do you think you would be in the “Christmas Spirit?”
Would you have a good Christmas if all the things you love about Christmas time were suddenly gone?
The reality is, Christmas doesn’t look like this for most people. As beautiful as the lights, snow, and trees are, this is not Christmas for most people.
Christmas must be Christmas without any western festivities.
As I reflect on the reality of Christmas in Bethlehem, I can’t help but think that we have a hijacked view of Christmas. I don’t know if it is practical or helpful to suggest that Christmas in the west needs to change. I think I would lose to the millions of dollars spent in marketing by big corporations and the millions of Americans set on their happy ways.
However, I do think that I may be able to help you, my friends, see this blind spot.
I think we may find it healthy, both spiritually and emotionally, to become cognitively aware of our dependance on festivities and material things for our celebration of Christmas.
I do not think we should completely change our celebrations of Christmas. We live and exist in this world. Here are a few things that you may consider.
Minimize the decorations. Instead of going all out for Christmas, put out a few important and significant decorations. Maybe consider putting out decorations that point you to Jesus. Maybe consider limiting the time you decorate.
Limit your Christmas spending. Instead of giving more material gifts each year, find ways to give gratitude and love to those around you.
Limit media. Instead of watching 25 Christmas movies on ABC, spend more time spiritually seeking Jesus.
Refocus your festivities. Reading Luke 2 on Christmas is great. Be creative next year with keeping your Christmas celebrations focused on Jesus.
These suggestions are not more spiritual ways of following Jesus. I do not think this is novel or even that wise. Rather, I think it is simply being aware of the world in which we live.
May our reflection on this Christmas lead us to Jesus with or without the lights on.
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