Christmas Series: #3 Trees & Decorations
Last year we decided to break from tradition and we didn't put up a Christmas tree or any decorations. No Christmas stockings, no Father Christmas. On one hand, it was freeing not to be bound by inherited tradition. But it was something of an anti-climax as Christmas came and went. And there might have been an element of self-righteousness as we watched the world around us celebrate with over-indulgence and consumerism. I hope not, but possibly.
This year, (now that we have given away our tree and all the decorations!), I found myself wanting to reclaim Christmas. It is after all, originally a Christian celebration. I look at how people have celebrated the life of Nelson Mandela recently in our country. Some have honoured him correctly and captured the essence of his humility and determination and sacrifice in their celebrations. And of course their are those who have used his memorial as a reason to promote their own means and interests. But the proper response to misuse is not no use but correct use.
At this time of year Christians around the world have the opportunity to celebrate The Hope of the World. Our church's slogan for Christmas this year is "Hope Begins". What a thing to celebrate! We do not have to take responsibly to fight for the cause to "put Christ back into Christmas". In a simplistic way, if it was my birthday and half the guests wanted to do their own thing at my party, I wouldn't want the other half of the guests to try and defend me. I would just want them to celebrate with me.
This year we have put up decorations that remind us of the King whose life we are celebrating. When our son, Jed had his first birthday, we had a ball-party, because he loves balls. When we wanted to celebrate our dramatic daughter, we had a drama-queen-party. So we asked ourselves, what if Jesus doesn't want a red-and-green-themed Father Christmas party this year? What if (heaven forbid) He would like a Barney party for a change? Our kids started dreaming about the kind of things that Jesus might like. Perhaps a party for the poor? Or a family braai? We chose decorations that we thought He might like. There are flashing lights and candles because He is the light of the world. There are stars, because He "calls out the stars and they shine for Him". There are silver crosses because so much of His life's purpose was fulfilled in His death and His conquering of death. There are symbols of love, and so on, each item reminding us of the person we are celebrating.
At the end of the day, what each of us Christians do, we do "unto the Lord". It is not up to us to judge "another man's servant". Let your celebrations this year be done in faith. If you put up a Christmas tree, do it in His name and for His glory. If you exchange gifts, do it for Jesus' sake and in a manner that honours Him. If you feast, if you dance, if you sing, if you enjoy the company of your family and friends, let it be Him we are celebrating. Let our Christmas this year be authentic and meaningful and honestly faith-fulled. We hope He'll love it!
