Postponing Christmas?

Merry Christmas!  The celebration of Christ’s birth is just over a week away!  

This week I read in Wednesday’s paper the new and understandable decision by many families this year to postpone Christmas until later in the year 2012.  One parent even shared her plan to write a note signed by Santa that he was just too busy, and that his helpers (Mom and Dad) would bring gifts later when the prices were more affordable.  Given the cultural understanding of a holiday stripped of its pure meaning, one might concede that this is pragmatically wise.  No doubt our economy has created situations that force these kind of decisions.

  Joseph's and Mary's betrothal was threatened with being postponed.  Their lives were demanding a time-out to figure things out, seek solutions, and make plans to make circumstances return to normal.   Fortunately, their ultimate response gives us direction in handling circumstances outside of our control. Ultimately, Joseph listened to the wise counsel of God's angel over the cultural norms surrounding him.  Because of his and Mary's faith and obedience, they were able to experience first-hand the joy of Christ's incarnation--God in human flesh.

 For many in America this year, Christmas could be a revelation, an epiphany, a whole new change of perspective.  I wonder if we all might need a check on the whole meaning of life, festivity, and celebration.  This week, do not postpone Christmas.   Continue Christmas.  Being stripped of the material focus of Christmas in America is a wonderful alternative and opportunity.  A common phrase we hear these days is “Return to Bethlehem.”  Let’s do just that.  Let’s return to Bethlehem.  Let’s learn from the original event the real joy of Christmas-God with us!  “See, the virgin will become pregnant and give birth to a son, and they will call Him Immanuel, which is translated, ‘God with us’” Matthew 1:23.

Coach/PJ