Hey folks, can I give you a

potpourri of thoughts about the Christmas celebration upon us? Then, read

on.

First, evaluate

in advance how much time you plan for shopping, holiday cooking, and partying.

Then, try to balance that out with the same amount of time for attending

special spiritual services, regular church services, worship, prayer,

and benevolent ministries to the powerless like the poor, the fatherless,

and the single parent mother. It's ridiculous how much time we invest

in matters that are not remotely associated with the birthday of Jesus

Christ.

Second, when

someone wishes you a "Happy Holiday," for fear of offending

the few, respond with a big, warm smile and say with genuine love, "Happy

Holiday to you too and a very Merry Christmas." I fear that we Christians

are overreacting to the "Happy Holiday" offense factor that

we are coming over a little too self-righteous. Remember, of all types,

Jesus had more fits with the self-righteous folks than anyone else, including

the outright sinners.

Third, don't

have a Holy Roller attack when you see "Merry Xmas." Here's

where a little knowledge saves you from a random act of stupidity. Hear

this: "X" is the Greek word for the sound "Chi." In

other words, "X" is a very appropriate symbol for Christ. In

fact as I prepare messages, I often use "X" to refer to Christ

in my notes. There are greater sacrileges at Christmas than using "X."

Like spending oneself into financial bondage while all the time Christ

came to free us from all sorts of bondages.

Fourth, let's

begin to de-paganize Christmas. It can't be done overnight, but we should

begin. Let's take back the Holy Day of Christ's birth from the commercial

interests. The church and not the shopping mall should be a major focus

of the days. I applaud the likes of New Hope Baptist Church's production

of The Living Christmas Tree. What was introduced once by a community

chorale has been seized by many churches to present the Gospel, indeed

the real reason for the season. I commend all those folks who sing, act,

play instruments. Indeed, they give appropriate gifts to their Lord Jesus.

In another

note of de-paganizing Christmas, would it be that Christian parents should

seriously consider debunking the whole Santa Claus thing. After all, he

and the tooth fairy and the Easter bunny are all fakes. Isn't Christmas

about the reality of the Gospel?

Fifth, at Christmas

time, we should be peacemakers more than any other time of the year. Christmas

is about God seeking to be reconciled to his creation, humankind. In that

same spirit, we need to make peace within our own families. Where there

is estrangement, let us make every effort to heal wounds and seek forgiveness.

So, these are

just some of my thoughts. Why don't you write the editor and share some

of your thoughts with all of us? Here's love to all my readers.

The Rev.

Dr. John Hatcher is pastor of

River's Edge Community Church

1091 South Jeff Davis Drive

Fayetteville, Georgia 30215

770-719-0303

Back

to the Top of the Page