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.
3 comments:
I think people see what they are looking for...you and I see the goodness of it all and that is a blessing! ;D
I pray that ALL would see what Christmas truly is about; GOD coming to earth as an innocent Child, yet as a Man He bore the sins of mankind. What a gift... salvation. All one need do is accept His free gift.
For the last week I have been trying to find CHRISTMAS cards. The stores have had all their "Seasonal" extravaganza out since before Thanksgiving. Usually their Christmas cards are packed all around their check out areas, but not this year. They are not even in their card area. I did find at Dollar Tree a box of cards that said Christmas "Greetings," but the pictures had nothing to do about the Nativity. I guess I will have to make my own this year. So, the "money" will not go to the dept. stores, but to the office supply stores for paper and ink.
I can't believe how secular society has jumped on the "band wagon" to exclude Christians in Christmas. If Christians refused to buy their products, they would probably go bankrupt. It's a shame you can't even say "Merry Christmas" without getting sneers and jeers from the people you say it to.
SO, I'm committed to not let them keep me from worshipping my LORD's birth! I will continue to say Merry Christmas WITH a smile. I will purchase at the stores that DO recognize Christ in the things they sell. And, I will spread the Good News with joy and not griping and complaining. So, it is left up to us Christians to continue the Christmas season with joy and sharing the birth of Christ with an incentive that will cause them to become curious at what is so exciting about CHRISTmas!
Merry Christmas to you and yours,
Susan
I deplore the commercialization of Christmas myself, but then again it is my happy choice to keep the Christ in Christmas and perhaps my example will show some light to those around me. Another beautiful post Bonnie.
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