There’s a new “Holy War.” Like in the crusades of old, Christians have donned their armor, mounted their valiant steeds, and marched out to do battle with the enemies of Christmas. Or maybe it’s more like a huge ideological tug of war.
On one side we have a secular society that depends upon the economic surge that comes with Christmas. The commercial entities need the seasonal profits just to survive another year. Granted, there are plenty of “anti-christs” who are happy to avoid the use of the C-word. This side eagerly declares, “Happy Holidays!” and “Season’s Greetings!”
On the other side we have a broad spectrum of religious people who are sorely offended by such an obvious refusal to pay lip service to the religious roots of the season. So this side tugs on the “rope” crying “Keep Christ in Christmas!” and “It’s called Christmas with a Capital C!”
The secular side tugs on the rope because it fears offending people of non-Christians faith . . . Jews, Muslims, Atheists, etc. For many, profits are the real reason for the season.
I’ve had my turn tugging on the rope, but now I’m not wondering about our position. What does the world think while it watches the tug of war? Do they see angry Christians fighting about words? Does the world wonder why our “Christ” can’t defend himself?
Christmas has become a monster, and good “Christian” people have contributed to its creation. We put up our lights, decorate our trees, shop ‘till we drop, and exchange our gifts. We’ve sold out to the same secular impulses! Why are we fighting so fervently over what non-believers call a holiday that really seems to have very little to do with the Birth of Jesus!
We are supposed to be celebrating the birth of Jesus. Why don’t we get rid of all the commercial and cultural fluff that has nothing to do with the birth of Jesus? Why don’t we call it “advent” or “the nativity” and quietly honor the Lord with worship, adoration, and simple, heartfelt expressions of appreciation? Why don’t we focus on loving the Lord, then concentrate on showing the world around us that we are a gracious, loving people who can be wonderfully happy in our faith without freaking out when someone wishes us “Happy Holidays!”
I just don’t want to fight anymore!
Showing posts with label Christmas. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Christmas. Show all posts
Monday, December 15, 2008
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Another Pastor Confesses!
I have an embarrassing confession to make . . .
For a number of years I have been engaging in activity that some Christians believe is spiritually inappropriate and compromising, especially for a pastor. I once had a family leave the church because they caught me performing this horrifying habit. It's not a problem most of the year, but I give in to the temptation early in November every year. This has been going on for at least seven years . . . or maybe it started . . .
In 1992, while between pastoral positions (waiting for “the big church” to call), I took a job as a Santa in the nearby mall. I was working as a certificated sub in a local school district, trying to make ends meet. So, playing Santa during the Christmas vacation was a good economic decision. It was tough work, but I enjoyed it!
About 10 years later, two years after arriving in Templeton, I was asked to play Santa at the “Cowboy Christmas” sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce in the local park. I rode in on a restored stage coach. Hundreds of people cheered and waved as I belted out my best “Ho! Ho! Ho! Merry Christmas!” I was hooked!
For the past three years I’ve been Santa for Christmas activities hosted by a local foster care, family-intervention agency.
This year I will make a total of four appearances as Santa Claus. I work full-time in a secular job. I fill many nights and all weekends with my pastoral ministry. Do I really have time to hop around in a red suit hollering “Ho! Ho! Ho!”? So, why do I do it? SOMEBODY, PLEASE TELL ME WHY!
They line up and wait. One at a time, the children come forward. I squint at each one (a “Santa smile”) and say “Hello, thank you for coming to see Santa!” For a moment, each kid has my attention. I ask them if they’ve been good and encourage them to help their family with chores. I ask them about school and tell them an education is important. Of course, I ask them what they want for Christmas. I tell them to keep up the good work. And then I wish them a Merry Christmas . . . something you won’t hear in many places today!
Being Santa for foster kids is especially rewarding . . . the experience is almost inexpressible. Imagine asking a little boy what he wants for Christmas, and he says, “I want my mom to get off drugs.” Imagine a little girl saying, “I want my family to be together again!” When I volunteer with the foster care organization, I actually tell the kids, “Merry Christmas and God bless you!”
So, I play Santa because I believe. I believe I’m a good Santa. I believe I’m telling fellow members of the Chamber of Commerce that Reverend Purdy and his congregation care about the community. I believe I’m doing something that is strangely akin to Jesus taking the children in his arms and blessing them. Each child reminds me that the Kingdom belongs to “such as these.” I believe God is pleased with my service as a Santa.
That’s why I do it.
For a number of years I have been engaging in activity that some Christians believe is spiritually inappropriate and compromising, especially for a pastor. I once had a family leave the church because they caught me performing this horrifying habit. It's not a problem most of the year, but I give in to the temptation early in November every year. This has been going on for at least seven years . . . or maybe it started . . .
In 1992, while between pastoral positions (waiting for “the big church” to call), I took a job as a Santa in the nearby mall. I was working as a certificated sub in a local school district, trying to make ends meet. So, playing Santa during the Christmas vacation was a good economic decision. It was tough work, but I enjoyed it!
About 10 years later, two years after arriving in Templeton, I was asked to play Santa at the “Cowboy Christmas” sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce in the local park. I rode in on a restored stage coach. Hundreds of people cheered and waved as I belted out my best “Ho! Ho! Ho! Merry Christmas!” I was hooked!
For the past three years I’ve been Santa for Christmas activities hosted by a local foster care, family-intervention agency.
This year I will make a total of four appearances as Santa Claus. I work full-time in a secular job. I fill many nights and all weekends with my pastoral ministry. Do I really have time to hop around in a red suit hollering “Ho! Ho! Ho!”? So, why do I do it? SOMEBODY, PLEASE TELL ME WHY!
They line up and wait. One at a time, the children come forward. I squint at each one (a “Santa smile”) and say “Hello, thank you for coming to see Santa!” For a moment, each kid has my attention. I ask them if they’ve been good and encourage them to help their family with chores. I ask them about school and tell them an education is important. Of course, I ask them what they want for Christmas. I tell them to keep up the good work. And then I wish them a Merry Christmas . . . something you won’t hear in many places today!
Being Santa for foster kids is especially rewarding . . . the experience is almost inexpressible. Imagine asking a little boy what he wants for Christmas, and he says, “I want my mom to get off drugs.” Imagine a little girl saying, “I want my family to be together again!” When I volunteer with the foster care organization, I actually tell the kids, “Merry Christmas and God bless you!”
So, I play Santa because I believe. I believe I’m a good Santa. I believe I’m telling fellow members of the Chamber of Commerce that Reverend Purdy and his congregation care about the community. I believe I’m doing something that is strangely akin to Jesus taking the children in his arms and blessing them. Each child reminds me that the Kingdom belongs to “such as these.” I believe God is pleased with my service as a Santa.
That’s why I do it.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
