My neigborhood can be seen from outerspace, and the whirring of electric meters can be heard from 500 miles away. Most of my neighbors don't know the meaning of "restraint," or see the artistic value of having a few dark corners in their yards. Nope. Everything is lit up beyond utter belief. That includes mixing metaphors (an inflatable Snoopy next to a Burl Ives snowman from "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer") and mixed messages (is that Santa kneeling at the manger?). What gets me is that not only do they outline the eaves of their houses, they outline their lawns. Eek!
We haven't done much to the outside of our house the past two years. In 2002, we were expecting the gift of Cutlet (he came on Dec. 26). Last year, we had an active 1-year-old (so we put up a miniature tree on our mantle). This year we want him to know it's an important time of year, as well as doing what we can to make the back-to-back days separately important. So we are decorating outside and putting our fake full-size tree up in the front room (photo possibly to come later). These are all good things. But ...
For us, Jesus is the reason for the season, but I won't kid myself. What takes up most of our time is the hustle and bustle that is humanly concocted to foster the warm and fuzzies across a broad spectrum of beliefs. But if the only Christmas story you've heard involves eight tiny reindeer, I encourage you to find a Holy Bible and read the book of Matthew, which tells the real story pretty well. While you're at it, peek into Mark, John and Luke. In the Old Testament, prophecies told of a coming Messiah. The New Testament shows how Jesus Christ fulfilled the more than 450 prophecies recorded before His birth.
If the history lesson doesn't convince you of the importance of Jesus, the Bible is also God's living answers to all of life's questions. There is a peace that comes from knowing the truth and living it. Do Christians continue to sin and make dumb mistakes? You bet. And there are even some of us who let the business of Christmas take away from what it really means.
One of the most important questions that can be asked, one with eternal consequences, is "In your personal opinion, what does it take for a person to go to Heaven?" The importance is lost on those who don't know that we are eternal souls destined to go somewhere after our earthly deaths. Or those who don't believe in hell, or those who think it will be a big party. I'm not a biblical scholar, but if there are any questions you're curious to find the Bible's answers for, I'll do what I can to find them for you. That book has been around for a long time one for main reason: it's the truth.
So, what's your answer to the question?
Amen, and then some more. They had a "Holiday Concert" at my daughter's school. They couldn't even call it a "Christmas Concert" because others might not celebrate Christmas. Well, damn it, this country was founded by believers and these days you can't even mention Christmas without having to include the pagan holidays along with it. Christians must take a stand on what is ultimately the truth.
Awesome. Brave post, and I like it.
Always good to be reminded of this when so many people are running around being "offended" by everything.
Everyone is wound so tight. Happy Holidays is what they say. I'm not putting down anyones religion but guess what? the 25th is Christmas! You've got the reason for the season.
MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!
How sad that this should be considered a "brave" post. Anyway, I just posted an entry about similar things - how you can't buy many decorations that are directly related to Christianity, but there are Santas and Grinches galore. *sigh*
I know I am going to Heaven because long ago I asked Jesus Christ to camp out in my heart. I mess up all the time, but I am still going to Heaven. And that is the greatest gift ever.
I personally think the Bible is just a really cool story. I don't believe in heaven or God. I believe when I die i'm gone. Hopefully I leave some people with good memories.
I try and celebrate "Christmas" as a seasonal holiday. I love Christmas services though and especially Christmas music. Carols and hymns alike. I love the messages.
I wish I could believe in "God"... one day I might.
Beautiful Post! May the Lord bless us all as we celebrate the birth of his Son! Merry Christmas to all!
Isn't that an Old Navy commercial with the "Merry Chris-Ma-Haun-a-Kwanzz-aka!" And the woodchucks? Have a splendid winter-solstice-related merriment! Whatever, it's Christmas. Merry Christmas! And thanks for the post, it wouldn't be Christmas without reflection on the real reason for the season, which is the birth of Jesus. Speaking of entertainment and culture we remember from the 80's, remember A Charlie Brown Christmas? Aww...
Belive it or not, Starbucks has the soundtrack. What a statement! ;0)
i love christmas bless u all