Now that we're into Christmas . . .
Well, request from my sister indicates that I haven't posted since December 17 - she said it's been "Weeeeeeks." Actually, that would be just over one week, but whose counting???
On to larger matters - I fear I am fighting a losing battle. If it's up to me, Christmas decorations will stay up until after Epiphany - lights, tree, nativity scenes. Historically, Epiphany is the older of the two celebrations - acknowledging the coming of the Wise men to visit the Christ child. Most of the nativity scenes have Wise men in them, and so . . .But much too much of our Advent/Christmas/Epiphany celebration is economically driven, and so we seem destined to this incredibe purchasing frenzy from - when does it start now, Halloween?? - until Christmas Eve, and then the day after Christmas, people start taking it all down. The cynical part of me knows the other reason this happens - the most important American holiday is about to begin - you know, Bowl Season. We have to get Christmas out of the way so we can start watching football unto ad nauseum.Remember the words of the 12 Days of Christmas - well, from Christmas to Epiphany - 12 days. Historically, that's Christmas. The time leading up to Christmas day is known as Advent. It is a time of waiting. I know I'm preaching a little, but when we experience a birth, we don't just wait and wait until the baby is born, and then forget about the new child. No, we celebrate and show that child off to friends and relatives, receive baby gifts for weeks, and generally experience the joy of changed lives for some time to come. In my opinion, that's the way it ought to be with Advent/Christmas/Epiphany.
On a similiar vein - I'm not sure the church noticed - I suspect some did - that our services were planned so as to emphasize waiting and preparation during Advent, and only on Christmas Eve did we begin celebration of the arrival of the child. From the standpoint of the music, Christmas eve we focused on Mary, Joseph, Jesus, and the shepherds. Sunday morning (Christmas Day) we focused on the angels, and this coming Sunday we will focus on the Wise men. Epiphany is January 6, and then our celebration moves from the birth of a child to the more abstract focus on the coming of light into our dark world. It all makes perfect sense to me. I'll continue to teach and lead - and maybe others will follow.
On a completely different vein - Santa brought to me . . . (drum roll) - an air compressor. I suspect only the guys will understand my glee. I also received a beautiful poker set (chips, cards, nice case) - kind of another "guy" thing.
Well, there, sister-o-mine - is that enough blogging for you???
Wading in . . .
Ok. I've listened to this argument enough - I've even preached a sermon last week stating that I understand all the various points of view, and rather agree with their points. But enough is enough - and so I am wading in on the "Merry Christmas" vs. "Happy Holidays" argument.
From the get go, I am a Baptist. Not the kind of fundamentalist, Disney boycotting, lock-step thinking, married to the government kind of Baptist that is so prevalent these days. No, I was reared in a church that respected distance between the government and the church, and taught me that separation of church and state was a good thing. I do not think the government should have anything to do with the way that I practice my faith, and I certainly don't want them telling me how or when I should pray. When the government and the church get too close to each other, inevitably the government interferes. And when the church tries to influence the government too much - i.e. force their beliefs on the government of all people, trouble brews.
Don't get me wrong. During this blessed time of the year, I will offer a hearty "Merry Christmas" to nearly every one I meet - except in those rare instances when I am aware that the other party has a faith tradition which does not acknowledge or celebrate Christmas. In those instances, I will probably offer just as hearty a "Happy Holidays" or maybe even a "Have a wonderful holiday season." I will do what I think Jesus would do, and respect the other person and his/her faith tradition or practice.
So - I was watching CNN this morning, and they did a news story about how some of the retailers are starting to see an effect on their profits because Christians are boycotting their stores because the retailers opted to instruct their sales people to wish customers a "Happy Holidays" this year. I think "Christians" are making a big mistake when we try to coerce faith or faith expressions. Didn't we learn anything from the Crusades of the Middle Ages? You can't force another person to believe something, and in fact, when you force them to act like they believe something (just so you'll feel better about things) you have actually done them and the kingdom of God a disservice.
Shame on "Christians" who think that boycotting a store because they won't say "Merry Christmas" is the best way, or even a good way, to spread the gospel. Rather, offer to them the kindness of Christ, accept a sales person's "Happy Holidays," and say, ". . .and a Merry Christmas to you" right back to them.
It's time Christian people started acting like it . . .
