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| Can Christians Still Get Christmas? |
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It is not unusual this time of year to hear Christians lamenting what non-believers have done to Christmas. The commercialism. The materialism. Santa Claus. The change in terminology. We like to defend "Merry Christmas" over "Happy Holidays" and wear our "Jesus is the reason for the season" badges. We like to gather with our Christian friends for potluck dinners and gift exchanges. We enjoy giving gifts and sending cards to those we love. All good things.
But tonight I cried, and it was not about the non-believers but about Christians. We had a beautiful Hanging of the Green service tonight with special Christmas music by our Praise Team and by the Young Musicians, as we decorated the sanctuary and heard about the meanings behind the decorations . . . but the surprising moment that reached into my soul was an old carol sung by the entire congregation, I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day. Tears welled up in my eyes as I sang the words, realizing they matched the feelings of my own soul this night. And as I drove home, I continued singing the song, and found myself weeping. I heard the bells on Christmas day
Their old familiar carols play,
And wild and sweet the words repeat
Of peace on earth, good will to men. And in despair I bowed my head:
"There is no peace on earth," I said,
"For hate is strong, and mocks the song
Of peace on earth, good will to men." Why such depth of feeling? I fear Christmas has become a dichotomy in the Christian world. Our heads are well aware that Christmas is about Jesus, and we know all the right answers in Sunday School, but without our realizing it, our hearts have become detached from the true Spirit of Christ mass. We have heard the story so many times that it no longer amazes us. We are no longer astonished that the God of all creation would come to earth as a baby boy. We are no longer astounded by such unfathomable Love. We know the story, but I fear it is no longer attached to our souls. With the poet of this great carol, I hear the bells of Christmas, with their old familiar carols and sweet words, calling for Peace on Earth and love for our fellow man. Yet our judgment and hatred, or at the very least, our indifference, toward those who differ from us is so loud that it drowns out the sweetness. It seems there is no peace of earth, not even within the Christian family. I too get caught up in all the holiday activity. Shopping, party after party, travel, food . . . but there are a few moments throughout the season that give me a glimpse of the Spirit of giving to the Christ child. Serving dinner at the local homeless shelter, volunteering at the associational Christmas Store to share God’s love with the Spanish-speaking shoppers, singing Christmas carols with my students, working together with my students to give to someone in need. And on Christmas Eve, I find great peace and joy in the special service at Enon, followed by a beautifully meaningful service at a local Episcopal church that ends about midnight. Love. Isn’t it all really about love? Not just for those who are lovely, and those who think like we think, but love for all God’s creation. Every human being. The forgotten ones. The marginalized ones. The imperfect ones. The grieving ones who will have an empty chair at the table this Christmas. The same ones for whom Jesus humbled Himself as a helpless baby. And died. What will we do for them this Christ mass? 25:40 And the King will answer them, 'Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brethren, you did it to me.'
The words of this carol were written on Christmas Day 1864 by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. Our nation was in the middle of Civil War, and Longfellow had just received word that his son Charles had been wounded in battle. Two years earlier Longfellow had lost his wife in a tragic fire. He heard the bells of Christmas, but their ringing was hollow to his ears. There was no peace on earth. Such a universal poem. Whether about war or grief or hatred or misunderstanding of Jesus’ message, it is universal. But we must not stop the song too early, for Longfellow continued: Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:
"God is not dead, nor doth He sleep;
The wrong shall fail, the right prevail,
With peace on earth, good will to men." Hallelujah! We humans, in our finite wisdom and understanding, do not have the last word on peace! God is alive, and right will prevail!
9:6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government will be upon his shoulder, and his name will be called "Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."
Almighty God! The Everlasting Father! The Prince of Peace!
Merry Christ Mass to All! Peace on Earth! Good Will to Men!
See also: Lyrics to all seven original verses Hear Johnny Cash sing the carol
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| Kathy, this is one of my all-time favorites by Longfellow...as it is with many. It certainly provides us with a great reminder this season...although our words may be full, where is our heart? Would we rather fight than love? The tmes Longfellow wrote were desparate times for a nation crippled by war over an injustice that was almost unforgivable. He cried then. We should cry now. Over 200 years and we still cry the same cry. The conclusion is the same, too, and we must rejoice. In the severe shortcomings of our best efforts, God is not dead nor does He sleep. The wrong shall fail, the right prevail. May we all rest our faith in Him and not in our own strength. Selah! |
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Karl K |
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December 02, 2007 at 7:08pm |
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Thanks for sharing this Kathy! In a nation that professes itself to be Christian, we should be making peace, not war. We should be reaching out to the poor and oppressed, not making laws that favor the rich and priviledged. Yet the right can prevail as each one of us, individually, do those things that make for peace and justice! |
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You deserve a star (actually many stars) for this honest and beautiful blog. |
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| I'm not sure what to say, this is beautiful Kathy. It really is all about love. Christ came b/c of love, he died too b/c of love. And as far as "What will we do for them this Christ mass?" I'm sure the answer is both not enough, and just enough. Not enough in that the needs of the world are absolutely overwhelming, there's no way we can do enough to right every wrong and fill every need. But the answer is also just enough, b/c God's enabling power will direct us right where his sovereign plan calls for us to go. Comforts me, at least. God bless, and merry x-mass Kathy! |
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Gene |
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December 02, 2007 at 10:44pm |
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Kathy, I’ve been wanting out of Christmas for the past year or two. Not the theological reminder of the birth of our Lord, just the 101 obligations mostly associated with shopping. My wife and I started hitting the brakes on this wild ride called life because we, like many, have been sucked into so many good things that our relationships with each other and with God have begun to suffer. Until today. Every weekend our church has 5 masses. This weekend I was at four of them to promote a ministry I help coordinate. I heard the same readings 4 times. I heard the same homily 4 times. I heard the same prayers 4 times. I received communion 4 times. Today marked the beginning of Advent – the beginning of the Christmas season. That’s one of the things I like about being Catholic. Christmas is a season, not just a day. It’s not over in a flash. Before the last mass today I wondered if communion would feel routine. It hasn’t been routine, even once, since I discovered our Lord through it about 10 years ago. But each time today it cut deeper into my soul to dig out the crud that has been building up. And through each one I replayed parts of the mass: Being saved, new birth, building community. 4 times I heard in the prayers of the faithful, “May we be open to Christ coming into our hearts.” Each time I experience Christ is a salvation experience. I feel born again…because I am. And I am pulled deeper into a sense of community with my fellow believers. Christ came, in His life, in His death, and in His resurrection, to build a community. One community. And we are taught to encourage each other, to help each other, to pray for each other, and to love each other. Yes we’ve all heard the Christmas story a hundred times. But what makes the Christian life unique is that we have an opportunity to live it, not just hear about it. And that’s what keeps it fresh in lives.
The more we each focus only on that, the more we will see peace on Earth and good will toward men.
May the Love of Christ, which surpasses all understanding, be with you and flow through you this Christmas season. Gene |
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Kathy |
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December 03, 2007 at 3:54am |
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Beautifully put, Voice! Thank you!
Karl said: "Yet the right can prevail as each one of us, individually, do those things that make for peace and justice!" Amen, Karl! We get so busy we forget the difference just one person can make when God is given reign over his/her life!
Mike said: "there's no way we can do enough to right every wrong and fill every need." That reminds me of the story of the little boy picking up starfish on the beach. One by one throwing them back into the ocean, although he's surrounded by thousands that are dying. When told that there are too many for him to make a difference, he responds as he throws another into the water, "I made a difference for that one." Just as you do every time you visit the nursing home, Mike! I love your heart!
Beautiful, Gene! Thank you for sharing this personal experience! 4 times in one weekend, yet it kept getting sweeter, not monotonous!
Thank you, Cheryl, and Merry Christmas! |
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Glenn |
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December 03, 2007 at 6:47am |
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Kathy,
Thank your for your well written call to each of our hearts. God is indeed alive and well, moving in each and every heart that calls Him Lord! It is when we hear that call and respond in love to those he places in our path that Christ's coming makes the most sense. Thank you for the reminder to make a difference in the lives of those we meet not only at Christ Mass time, but throughout the year to come.
peace |
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Kathy, "story of the little boy picking up starfish on the beach" reminds me of the story of my own children picking up jellyfish on the beach in the obx and tossing them back into the water. Until two of them got stung. What's the moral? Well...... that isn't the point. You just reminded me of a funny story. :-)
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Lourdes |
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December 03, 2007 at 7:21am |
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Beautiful Kathy! I love the way you concluded your blog. God really has the last word. Love will triumph over evil!
I also agree in that it appears to be war within the Christian world. We seem to be divided by different ideas, doctrines, Biblical interpretations, and secondary issues. I think all those things should be put aside when it comes to loving one another. I might not agree with some things a brother or sister says or believes, but I AM COMMANDED TO LOVE THEM!"
I hope that as we remember the birth of our Savior and we spend quality time with our family and friends, we can also love the hurting, the poor, and even people/Christians with whom we disagree. I think baby Jesus would prefer that ;-) |
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Good blog rebuking spiritual apathy!! The "no peace on Earth" phrase hit me too. There is so much hatred in this world and it seems to be daily increasing in wars, politics, families, and even amongst Christians. But Romans 14:17 says the Kingdom of God for now even is "righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit." I will be doing much intercessory prayer that many Christians will be manifesting such and the fruit of the Holy Spirit especially the rest of this month. We need to be better examples of believers of the full Gospel of Jesus Christ-- Philippians 2:1-5 unity. |
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Kathy |
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December 03, 2007 at 10:27am |
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Asia, absolutely! Another great focus we could give to this season: Most people are familiar with Christmas, making it a perfect opportunity to introduce them to Jesus! When would they likely be more receptive?
Glenn said: "It is when we hear that call and respond in love to those he places in our path that Christ's coming makes the most sense." So good!
Mike, you are always making me laugh! Thank you!!!
Amen, Lourdes! Thank you! Marcella, you are a blessing! Thanks, Bible Lover and Paul! Merry Christmas! |
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| Beautiful, Kathy. I too am blessed by your blog! Thank you. |
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Deb |
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December 03, 2007 at 11:28am |
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| Great post Kathy! I try to not get caught up in the hubbub of Christmas, and to slow down to remember what exactly it is that we are celebrating. It is true, there is no peace on earth, but there is peace in my heart, and I am thankful for that. God will prevail. |
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I agree to a point... I feel that if you let yourself get pulled down to the level of those that only look at Christmas as a commercial time of year, then you end up sullying the times of fellowship and love because you're constantly on guard - are you TRULY living and experiencing the true meaning of Christmas? You begin to feel guilty about the pleasure and the joy of the season. I say, turn it around, and let the EXTRA joy we, as believers feel, for UNDERSTANDING the true meaning shine out from us. We talk about fruits of the spirit all other times of the year - why not now? I want to beam the joy that I feel because I DO understand the true meaning of what was done by God becoming man, only to suffer and die for us. Just like I hope and endeavor every day to walk as a Christian - even when I am in a worldly world - so will I during the holidays. I only mention this because I find that in both Christian and secular groups, the increased focus on the poor, the hungry and the 'outsiders' goes away after 12/25...and it shouldn't, especially for us Christians. Perhaps a better, if a little more 'cliched' way to put it is - make every day CHRIST MASS! |
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Kathy |
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December 03, 2007 at 6:16pm |
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| Thanks, Prue and Deb! Growing, I agree that our love for others should be 365 days a year! Thank you for sharing your thoughts! |
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Valya |
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December 03, 2007 at 6:48pm |
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You know, in eastern Europe (and, of course, in Ukraine), the Santa with his presents is scheduled for the New Year's Day. And this way, Christmas is a church day - a day to give to Christ. Of course then, it is not as much celebrated as here, in the U.S., and not as much appreciated by many... I wonder where the golden middle is... For me personally, my worst Christmas mornings were when I was awaken and led to open the presents so that my parents could take a picture... before I could even say "Happy Birthday, Jesus"...
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Brent |
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December 03, 2007 at 10:41pm |
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Kathy - You seem to be talking about a mechanical, mind only spritual existance. What I mean is that there is no heart or motivation to do those things just go through the motions. Or maybe that is my take on the apathy I sense. I think it is more than just Christmas, but that is the foundation which probably should be fixed first. The more I think of the Incarnation, the more overwhelmed I get. Just imagine the awe of the heavenly angels watching as the King of Kings and Lord of Lords climbed off his throne and became a baby boy subject to earthly fathers. The Creator of the World was subject to fallen earthly parents! And this wasn't like you or I taking a new job and hoping it will work out, Jesus knew before He became a man all that he would deal with, betrayel, false religious piety, being tempted in the wilderness, all of His disciples leaving him in a time of need. I could go on and on. I thank you for reminding me of the Wonder I need to approach Christmas or better the Incarnation. I pray that I will not be overcome by my arrogance or pride but that I would always remember it is by Grace I have been saved and not works!! Grace and Peace, Brent |
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Rosie |
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December 04, 2007 at 12:20am |
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| KATHY THIS IS AWESOME......I HAVE ALWAYS LOVED THIS CHRISTMAS SONG ESPECIALLY THE LAST PART "GOD IS NOT DEAD NOR DOTH HE SLEEP..THE WRONG SHALL FAIL AND RIGHT PREVAIL WITH PEACE ON EARTH AND GOOD WILL TOWARD MEN" |
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Peace on earth, wouldn't it be an awesome day? As we go into this season of Christmas we should still remember that Christ was born for us and he died for us. We can never, ever duplicate what he did for all of us but we can share with others who may not be likeminded as we are. Christ did. We can give to those who are less fortunate. Christ did. We can't be all things to all people, but we can do our part as opportunities present themselves and they do. The beggar on the street that we say should get a job, he's GOD's child too. The drunk staggering and the homeless lady pushing the buggy, they're GOD's children too. We never know the circumstances of these people but we should at least reach out and touch their lives in some form or fashion(smile, a buck or two, whatever). We should keep in mind that he LOVED US ALL..
FOR GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD.
Great blog Kathy... |
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Thanks for the opportunity to pause and consider the true meaning of Christmas. You have reminded me to consider again the event of Christmas and the person whose birth we celebrate.
Blessings,
Pastor Tim |
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Kathy |
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December 04, 2007 at 7:21pm |
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Valya, I love your cultural perspectives! Similarly, in Mexico it is the wisemen who bear (small)gifts, on Jan. 6. Gifts are not the focus of the Christmas season, which is celebrated as a "holy-day." (There are parts of Mexico that have adopted the American Santa Claus idea in recent years.) Thank you for your many surprises today! Your heart is beautiful! :)
Brent, I think you're right that the root issue of my thoughts here is one that encompasses 365 days of the year!
Thank you, Rosie, Woman, mstovall, and Pastor Tim! May you be blessed as you have blessed me! |
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| Great one Thanks Kathy. God Bless, Doyle Crowe. |
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Kathy |
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December 05, 2007 at 4:31pm |
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| Thank you, Doyle, and God bless you too! |
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God Bless Everyone, while we're at it! |
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Kathy |
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December 06, 2007 at 6:16pm |
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. . . and you Wes! :) |
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| This is great. Just today, I was talking to a church friend about last year's "Honeybee" (ladies group of the church) Christmas luncheon. What I recall most about that day, was my pastor Sherry (for those of you who are anti-women pastors, she is part of a husband-wife pastoral team) reading from Scriptures, the Christmas story, with such emotion and love...and weeping.....I remember thinking, 'Man, Lord, I need to be there. I need to be weeping for joy over this.' It really left an impression....not of her, but of what the Christmas story should mean to me. Thanks for sharing. |
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Kathy |
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December 08, 2007 at 8:14pm |
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| Hi Lara! Thank you for sharing your personal story that fits perfectly! |
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| I think I can empathise altough I'm not familiar with the song. I think within Christian families part of the problem is probably wanting the Promises of God while living the way of the world. |
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| Thanks for this! This is very true and was written with such a sincere heart. I agree with you. |
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Kathy |
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December 11, 2007 at 3:31pm |
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| Thank you, Dave and GypsyEyez! And thank you, Linda. I deleted your comment, and am replacing it with a link to the blog you copied here: http://www.mychurch.org/blog/108502/FEEDING-PROGRAM#comment, so readers can visit the blog if they so choose. I am not personally familiar with this program, but there are thousands of reputable ministries waiting for willing souls. There are likewise many scams floating around, many for money, others just internet junkies seeing how much attention they can stir, so may we all choose carefully and prayerfully. (Linda, if this one if a special one to you, please tell us more about it. Thanks, and thank you for caring about all God's children!) |
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Della |
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December 13, 2007 at 6:46am |
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Thank You, Kathy! I love "I Heard The Bells On Christmas Day!" especially the last verse with "God is not dead, nor doth He sleep" |
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Donna S |
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December 13, 2007 at 4:49pm |
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Thanks for sharing this Kathy!! I love this song, it is still a fav!!
here are a few things I ran across today ......
"And the Grinch, with his Grinch-feet ice cold in the snow, stood puzzling and puzzling, how could it be so? It came without ribbons. It came without tags. It came without packages, boxes or bags. And he puzzled and puzzled 'till his puzzler was sore. Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn't before. What if Christmas, he thought, doesn't come from a store. What if Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more?" ~Dr. Seuss (Theodor Seuss Geisel) | Today's Affirmation | I am focused on Spirit during this Holy Season. | Today's Meditation | Dear God, Beyond the sales, bargains, gifts and decorations; beyond the parties, wrapping paper, ribbons and bows; help us focus on the Love that gives birth to Christmas. May our hearts be ready and open to experience the true meaning of this holy season. O Come Emmanuel, be reborn in us all. Amen |
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THE TRUE MEANING OF CHRISTMAS
The following website tells the story of Christmas in a very simple manner that is fit for young children. However, I found it to be a very peaceful presentation that offers information that many adults will also find interesting. Although it shows British traditions, as you are aware, many of them have spread to the USA and other countries.
http://www.woodlands-junior.kent.sch.uk/customs/Xmas/meaning.htm
God Bless
Keep shining!!!
Donna |
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| Kathy...I want to thank you for this blog. I to was consumed with the bargain and special sales that was going on during this Holiday season. I already filled up my car trunk with bunch of gifts that I bought for my family and myself. wasting lots of money; buying things for people who really don't need these things. For people who are already fortunate with material things and with family love. This year, we all should expand our hands and heart to the the less fortunate. Give the gift to the homeless on the street or help out at a soup kitchen. I know I will be changing the way I celebrate Christmas this year. May God bless each and everyone of you. |
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Kathy |
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December 16, 2007 at 4:25pm |
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Della and Donna, thank you for sharing your comments, and Merry Christmas to you both!
Mele, welcome to MyChurch, and may God richly bless you this Christmas! |
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