One thing that is bothersome to me is when people say they do not like Christmas because it is so commercialized, it is just a money exchange, the real meaning is missed, etc, etc. Some of those things they complain about do miss the mark, but in reality I think they began with good intentions and an attempt to celebrate the real meaning of Christmas. These folks seem to throw the baby out with the bath water and keep a 'bah humbug' attitude in their hearts. What is to be gained in that? I think a person can both enjoy the traditions of Christmas and also feel deeply of the significance of what the traditions symbolize. There is always something to complain about but we have to find the good in this life.
One thing I have been noticing more and more is the disunity of our country, the lack of things that unite us. These traditions have united us in the past. Why are people and groups trying their best to divide us? The thought that a house divided against itself cannot stand comes to mind. The polarizing and the political correctness of every issue is destroying the very thing that once made this country so great. Maybe we need to remember what this symbol represents more than ever before.
Let's Consider some of the Symbols
The Evergreen Tree~God's Never Changing Love For Us, while other things come and go. He remains Constant and Unchanging.
The Candy Cane~The Shepherd's Staff~Jesus Leading and Guiding us on our Way.
The Wreath~A Sign of Eternity with no beginning or end.
The Presents~Remembering the Love that God had for us in giving his Only Begotten Son and also the Gifts brought to the Jesus by the Wise Men. The Atoning Sacrifice of our Lord and Savior for us.
The Star~The Night of Christ's Birth. The Brightness of His Hope.
The Lights on Our Christmas Tree~ The light of Christ Shining Brightly Everywhere, even in darkness.
The Carols~ The Heavenly Host of Angels Singing on that First Christmas Eve. Sharing the Good News with those around us. In the Doctrine and Covenants 25:12 we read " For my soul delighteth in the song of the heart; yea, the song of the righteous is a prayer unto me, and it shall be answered with a blessing upon their heads."
Family Gatherings~ Can remind us of the blessing Eternal Families
Sharing a holiday meal with loved ones~
Feasting on the things in life that are good!
One thing I have been noticing more and more is the disunity of our country, the lack of things that unite us. These traditions have united us in the past. Why are people and groups trying their best to divide us? The thought that a house divided against itself cannot stand comes to mind. The polarizing and the political correctness of every issue is destroying the very thing that once made this country so great. Maybe we need to remember what this symbol represents more than ever before.
I believe in religious freedom of expression but I do not believe is suppressing the right of Americans to celebrate Christmas as it has always been celebrated in this country since the day it was founded on Christian principles. Whatever your faith, have your celebrations but do not impinge on our rights to do so as well. So I am tired of people and groups that are trying their darnest to disrupt and divide us on any level. These are the United States after all.
Christianity is a religion of symbols. Sometimes I think we as Christians are a little too uptight about the cultural things about Christmas. We just need to allow ourselves to see the intended meaning behind some of the traditions of Christmas in ways that allow us to remember what is true. The symbols can testify of all of Christ's gifts in our lives. As the scriptures say, "He that hath ears to hear, let him hear." There does not need to be a struggle between our traditions and customs and the truth. It is not a one or the other type of thing. We can celebrate the fun of Christmas, as well as the JOY of it. The fun of it creates wonderful memories and lasting family traditions, the JOY of it gives us ALL we will ever need in this life and the next. All good things, right? What more could we possibly want or need? What is not to love about this beautiful season? For the people that get all caught up in "lying to their kids about Santa"...these kids are smart. Teach them what 'represents' means. Teach them what symbols are and then let them be a kid and enjoy what Santa represents and symbolizes. They can run a computer at 18 months, they'll get it.
Christianity is a religion of symbols. Sometimes I think we as Christians are a little too uptight about the cultural things about Christmas. We just need to allow ourselves to see the intended meaning behind some of the traditions of Christmas in ways that allow us to remember what is true. The symbols can testify of all of Christ's gifts in our lives. As the scriptures say, "He that hath ears to hear, let him hear." There does not need to be a struggle between our traditions and customs and the truth. It is not a one or the other type of thing. We can celebrate the fun of Christmas, as well as the JOY of it. The fun of it creates wonderful memories and lasting family traditions, the JOY of it gives us ALL we will ever need in this life and the next. All good things, right? What more could we possibly want or need? What is not to love about this beautiful season? For the people that get all caught up in "lying to their kids about Santa"...these kids are smart. Teach them what 'represents' means. Teach them what symbols are and then let them be a kid and enjoy what Santa represents and symbolizes. They can run a computer at 18 months, they'll get it.
Let's Consider some of the Symbols
The Evergreen Tree~God's Never Changing Love For Us, while other things come and go. He remains Constant and Unchanging.
The Candy Cane~The Shepherd's Staff~Jesus Leading and Guiding us on our Way.
The Wreath~A Sign of Eternity with no beginning or end.
The Presents~Remembering the Love that God had for us in giving his Only Begotten Son and also the Gifts brought to the Jesus by the Wise Men. The Atoning Sacrifice of our Lord and Savior for us.
The Star~The Night of Christ's Birth. The Brightness of His Hope.
The Lights on Our Christmas Tree~ The light of Christ Shining Brightly Everywhere, even in darkness.
The Carols~ The Heavenly Host of Angels Singing on that First Christmas Eve. Sharing the Good News with those around us. In the Doctrine and Covenants 25:12 we read " For my soul delighteth in the song of the heart; yea, the song of the righteous is a prayer unto me, and it shall be answered with a blessing upon their heads."
Family Gatherings~ Can remind us of the blessing Eternal Families
Sharing a holiday meal with loved ones~Feasting on the things in life that are good!
The Important Thing to Remember is:
Seeing is Believing and Believing is Seeing.
All Good Things Testify of the Divinity of Jesus Christ.
Seeing is Believing and Believing is Seeing.
All Good Things Testify of the Divinity of Jesus Christ.
2 comments:
American was built upon the Bible's concept of freedom. Man is given the freedom to worship or not. Sad to say this concept also applies to Eternity. Man is given the choice to accept or reject the LORD's salvation. The Bible also says that "Wide is the gate that leads to destruction and many that enter therein. But, narrow is the Gate that leads to Eternal Life and few that enter therein." This season of the year can be looked at according to where the heart is focused...on man or on our Awesome, Holy, Almighty, Creator, Savior, Father GOD!
In the Love of our Christ,
Susie
Beautiful post Bonnie. I believe that people find whatever it is they are looking for. If you want to find Bah Humbug, that's what you will find. If you want to find the True Meaning of Christmas, then that is what you will find. xxoo
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