What happened to Christmas?

What happened to Christmas? I'm not speaking of the time of year when people race about in apoplectic frenzy, often intent on spending more than they can afford. I'm not speaking of special sales that begin before the Thanksgiving turkey is cold and the gravy for same is congealed.

I'm not speaking of the day that far too many resentful people now condemn because it's marked by a "white guy" in a red suit, with a long beard, who comes down chimneys with gifts.

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I'm inquiring about Christmas – not the day preceded by pageants that the politically correct pompously (read foolishly) insist on calling "holiday" festivals. I'm not referring to families going to grandmother's house for gatherings filled with mirth and love.

I'm not referring to that "day" brave defenders of America's freedom reflect wistfully upon – family gatherings, sometimes continents away, as they sit in bunkers, tents, tanks, or barracks as deterrents against those who would do us harm. I'm not speaking of trees, decorations, baskets, or "just the right gift." Neither am I speaking of "giving" or reaching out to those less fortunate.

I'm speaking of Christmas – not church services or midnight Mass. I certainly am not speaking of faux holidays conceived in the mind of the mendacious, which, contrary to definition of same, was created precisely to mislead those eager to be misled and self-segregated.

I am not speaking of prayer services as such, because in my estimation they can be, and oft times are, substitutes for that which I inquire.

By now you are no doubt asking just what the heck "Christmas" I am inquiring about. I am not referring to the day we celebrate the birth of Christ as such. I am referring to what that day meant in the greater context of existence. I am speaking of what that day and His birth made possible.

I am speaking of the availability of salvation born into the world that day. I am speaking of the birth of "He" who was born to be sacrifice for sin for all who would believe, confess and accept.

Christmas – the true essence of that which we celebrate, sadly, in far too many churches and the lives of those who attend them, has become nothing more than a perfunctory attendance. Sure, we sing, pray, recite Scripture, light candles and listen to pastors preach about a manger, wise men and a star that shown brightly. But, Christmas and its meaning is far more than that. Indeed, it must be more than that, because if that is all it is, then why bother? Why not just save the time, energy and expense? Why not just go about the day "business as usual"? And for those who do just that – are they not less hypocritical than those who observe the day as celebratory – sans the "Truth"?

Christmas isn't a day we simply celebrate, nor should it be "exclusively" a birth we celebrate. It should be about the reason for the birth – sacrifice and love. A love so great, so unimaginable, of "One" willing to send forth His own to make it possible for those willing to believe to spend eternity in His presence.

It matters not whether Christ was born on Dec. 25, Dec. 31 or sometime in the fall. It matters that He was born, and born exactly as was prophesied. It matters whether or not a person embraces that truth. I don't give a wit about those who argue the validity of that truth – they will have eternity to assess the errancy of their position.

As we approach the day court battles are being fought over, the day people now often refer to only as "holiday" so as not to offend those of dissimilar beliefs – I urge all to embrace the time, the moment and the event itself.

Because unless we are willing to believe, confess and accept – it is just another day – and one of no more eternal value than Groundhog Day. But if we each, in the privacy of our own hearts, commune with the Almighty pursuant to the miraculous birth – then we will personally experience the "True" reason for the season, regardless of a calendar day.

This Christmas, may we all do more than simply celebrate a day off, family gatherings and gifts – may we, each and every one, celebrate the life-changing experience of Him who was born into the world, and whose birth we celebrate as Christmas.

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