Putting Christ Back in Christmas

Ah, Christmas! The most wonderful time of the year. The time to celebrate the birth of Jesus. Just think of the lovely manger scene with the cute, cuddly baby, the chubby cherubs, and the little lambs looking up in awe at the holy scene. Mary, did you know? Did you know? What were your thoughts about God working through your son?

“He has scattered those who were proud in the thoughts of their heart. He has brought down rulers from their thrones, and sent away the rich empty-handed.” (Luke 1:51-53)

Well! Surely, that’s the labor pains talking, Mary. And the smell of the donkeys. What about you, Simeon? You held the infant Jesus. Did you feel the warm tidings of peace, goodwill, mistletoe, and presents under the tree? What went through your mind?

“Behold, this Child is appointed for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and for a sign to be opposed.” (Luke 2:34)

Uh … well, your old, Simeon and old people are grouchy. Don’t be a Scrooge. This is a time for peace on earth and good will towards men. Set them straight, Jesus.

"Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword.” (Matthew 10:34)

Look, what’s the matter with everyone? This is Christmas time! It’s a time for Christmas trees, wreaths, and garlands! It’s about candles and lights and manger scenes. It’s about Jingle Bells! You know, deck them halls and all that stuff. You know, Santa Claus and ho-ho-ho and mistletoe and presents to pretty girls.

To hear them talk you would think that the focus of Christmas should be about God radically breaking into the world in the purpose and mission of Christ the anointed king and not just simply the holy birth of Jesus and presents. Christmas is a merry season. A feeling. It’s about sitting by the fire, holding a cup of cocoa with two massive marshmallows while the snow falls outside and carolers sing "O Tannenbaum" accompanied by a small brass band. It’s a feeling. A good feeling. It’s good news.

Yes, yes, there is all that stuff in the Bible about the Good News of the coming of the Kingdom of God, and the coming of justice and hope for the poor, but this is jolly Christmas time! Christmas is supposed to be happy occasion. It’s not supposed to be deeply and thoroughly political.  It’s not supposed to be about the redemption of Israel and of the nation and the coming of God’s kingdom on earth.

Yes, glory to the newborn king, but this is not the time to emphasize a king who is going to uproot the nations and establish his rule and dominance upon the governments of the world. That won’t play in Peoria. Christmas is a time of coming together. Let’s invite the kings of this earth to celebrate the baby Jesus. As the Bible says:

“Go and search carefully for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him.” (Matthew 2:8)

See? With those holiday greetings and gay happy meetings when friends come to call it's the hap- happiest season of all. Let’s not be overtly or uncomfortably political … Unless someone tells you “Happy Holidays” instead of “Merry Christmas” … then just lay into them. Let’s put the Christ (Χριστός) back in Christmas (Χ-mas).