I Think I'll Call it Christmas

The following is my current column for the local paper. I have gotten the itch to write again, and usually do a column when I feel compelled about a specific thought or topic. Anyway, I had a couple people ask to see it, so here it is.

The first flakes of the year have already fallen from the skies, and stores are filled with enough glitter, lights and music to tempt the senses of even the biggest scrooge.

This over-commercialized, material world we live in flaunts itself best this time of year. With enticing advertisements for toys and diamond jewelry. With super-sales to convince us to buy things we don’t even really want. With awe-inspiring outdoor light displays and about as many variations of artificial Christmas trees as there are flavors of Jelly Bellies. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy the lights as much as anyone else. And I have twice succumbed to frantically searching for the one toy that everyone wants, but is impossible to find. But, I get so tired of the focus on the material. And I am saddened by the loss of focus on the spiritual.

To so many, Christmas is a time of buying presents, decorating the tree, eating lots of food and checking things off of a long list of parties, events and family get-togethers. Nothing is wrong with those things in and of themselves. But if that’s all there is to it, I think it’s kind of like having a big birthday bash and not inviting the guest of honor.

I’m not telling anyone they have to celebrate like my family does, but at our house, the guest of honor is not only welcomed, but revered.

As we decorate the evergreen tree, we will be reminded of the everlasting love that God has lavished on us.

When we place the star on the top, we will think about the star that led three wise men to Baby Jesus 2000 years ago.

When I get my decorations out from the basement storage room, I will set aside a manger scene for my boys to arrange on the nightstand in their room, and take that opportunity to remind them that the baby represented there is the reason we celebrate, and that he is the greatest gift of all.

My boys will excitedly try to guess what is in each of their carefully wrapped presents, but they will first choose gifts to be sent to children on the other side of the world through Operation Christmas Child.

They may get a gift or two from “Santa” and will probably watch Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer on TV, but they will always be taught that the jolly old man is not what this holiday is all about.

And when I go the Christmas Eve church service, I will not just be singing Christmas songs; I will be worshiping my Savior. And if I see you and wish you well on December 25th, instead of saying Happy Holiday, I think I’ll call it Christmas.