Christmas Thoughts

First I want to clarify a three things:

You cannot take Christ out of Christmas so quit saying put Christ back into Christmas.

There has always been a war on Christmas - remember they killed the guy.

Xmas is a cool way to great people - in Greek Christ is spelled χριστος.

Now that is out of the way.

I like Christmas. For the most part for me it is a time of gathering. Gathering together of family and friends. Raising glasses and toasting to that which is good. I think Jesus would like that part of celebrating his birthday. Many of the stories of Jesus have him at parties (Wedding at Cana, Passover, etc.). And much of his ministry was bringing people back into the fold, bringing people back into community (healing lepers, forgiving people, etc.).

Of course some of you are already thinking about what Jesus would not like about his birthday: consumerism, ignoring the true meaning of Christmas, drinking Kentucky bourbon instead of scotch, etc. But you know that has always been with us as well. Remember he turned over the money changers' tables at the temple.

But, this year I choose to ignore those negatives and focus on what is good. People do remember to stock the food bank shelves and make sure kids have warm coats. Here at FLC we even collect socks among many other things. People smile more at this time of year and I like that, too.

I hope those of you who are Christian find your way to a service on Christmas Eve or Day. Sing the carols and hear the Good News. For Christ was born for our salvation and to bring peace to the world. We should all long for that coming again when all will be made new!