We lost Christmas.
“Holidays” have replaced Christ. Excitement at the birth of one who will save us all from death has faded. The stories of exultant angels singing to an audience of shocked lowly shepherds, are largely forgotten. Gift baring magi and tales of Bishop Nicholas of Myra’s generosity have mutated into self-serving shopping frenzies dominated by a fat creature of the north, and his masses of supernatural elves and reindeer.
We can make the best of this situation.
No longer do we have societal pressure on how we celebrate Christmas. Our society celebrates “Holidays”, so feel free to celebrate “Christmas” in a more fitting way. Celebrate a new Christmas, and leave behind the one of the last 100 years.
First, Christ’s birth should be celebrated through song. We know the angels of heaven celebrated the first one that way. As God said, “For my soul delighteth in the song of the heart; yea, the song of the righteous is a prayer unto me.” Celebrate Christmas through song.
Be selective about your choice of songs for our new Christmas. True Christmas carols center around Christ, his teachings, his life, and his victories over death and hell. Surely this is what those angels sang about in the presence of the shepherds.
Second, give as Christ gave. Christ spent all his recorded life giving gifts that could never be reciprocated. He taught people that could never teach him. He removed leprosy from the maimed. He gave sight to those blind from birth. He gave love to those who only knew hate and loathing. He gave without getting.
So give for new Christmas. Focus on giving to those who can never return the gifts. Give to friends. Comfort strangers. Love those who hate.
Third, let the world know the stories of Christ’s birth. They are filled with fulfillment of ancient prophesies and promises. Miraculous events surrounded the birth. Also, share the glorious stories of 2000 years of Christmas. Tell of enemy soldiers sharing a night of love and peace in World War I. Tell of random acts of kindness. And, tell of Christ who championed this behavior.
Let our society celebrate the “Holidays” and enjoy our new Christmas. Christmas is what we make of it.
We lost Christmas. Long live new Christmas!