My thoughts and feelings about the Christmas season have changed over the years. Like most children, I looked forward to it growing up. We were told the truth about Santa, but we were not forbidden to pretend. There were still presents. Both sets of grandparents were within driving distance. We’d go to Mom’s family on Christmas Eve and Dad’s on Christmas Day. Mom’s family would come in from all over. There were lots of people, so we all drew names and bought for just one person. Dad’s mother, Grandmamma to us, always had something for everyone. She planned for Christmas all year. Months in advance she’d start asking what we wanted, and if I’d been smart enough to pick up on it she would sometimes give away the secret. My favorite present was probably the bike that I got at eight.

I remember the first year I had a little money of my own. I was in school away from home. I bought something for everyone. They were a bunch of cheap trinkets, but everyone seemed to appreciate the thought. By the next year, my life had taken a drastic turn, which you can read more about in the book. Every part of life came under scrutiny in an effort to find out what was of real value. Christmas as we practice it seemed to come up short.

Much has been written about the timing and traditions surrounding the holiday. I have been in the thick of it, but now I have come to the conclusion that the arguments accomplish little of use. Some traditions (though possibly fewer than we have been led to believe) do have pagan origins. However, few people who practice them today have any association with those roots. I believe that God is most concerned with the intent of our hearts. If we do what we do in genuine worship to Him, I believe He is pleased. That said, I do take issue with the practice of teaching children to believe in Santa. We give Santa God-like qualities and then children learn that we told them a pack of lies. How then do we expect them not to question what we tell them about Jesus?

Are we celebrating Christmas in honor of His birth? Let me answer with an illustration. It’s your birthday. We’ve been planning for it for more than a month. Excitement is everywhere. People you don’t even know are rushing around the stores picking up gifts. The big day finally comes. Where are the invitations? There are parties in your honor everywhere, but you haven’t been invited to any of them. All those presents weren’t for you. They were for other party guests. Nothing that you wanted was given to you. At most of the parties your name doesn’t even come up. That is what we call celebrating Jesus’ birthday.

Much good is done during this time of year. Jesus does get a little of what He wants, but I think it’s safe to say that our primary concern is ourselves. Let’s try a different kind of celebration this season. Involve yourself and your family in giving Jesus something He would like to have for His birthday. How does one give anything to the God of the universe? Jesus said, “…Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it to Me.” (Matt 25:40 NASB 1995) Maybe you involve yourself in a traditional benevolence activity such as providing food for the hungry, or maybe you invite someone to your home who has no place to go. Maybe you give a special gift to the charity of your choice. The possibilities are limitless, but I suggest that the more personal you make it the more meaningful it will be. God made us in His image. He is a loving and giving God, so we are most fulfilled when we love and give.

Now I embrace Christmas time, though still admittedly with a bit of reluctance. At no other time of year are people more open to hearing the good news that we are celebrating. It’s a golden opportunity. Let’s take it! Jesus’ favorite present is a new member in His family.

Share a merry Christmas!