Christmas Cancelled?
It’s no secret! Our modern Christmas is getting in the way of the real Christmas.
On the church sign at the corner- “Church dismissed for Christmas.” What, no mass for Christ on His birthday? Nothing holy on the Holyday?
That’s as ridiculous as pulling up to the ski lodge and reading a sign- “Slopes closed due to three inches of snow.” Or, at the grocery store – “Store closed due to an abundance of milk and bread.”
The very word Christmas is an Old English compound word for “Christ’s Mass,” the Christian annual worship festival commemorating the birth of Christ. In other words, Christmas is primarily a “mass,” not exclusive to Anglican or Catholic worship, to celebrate and commemorate Christ’s birth during the season of Advent. Therefore, a worship service or mass delivers the very heart of Christmas.
In the famous “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” Charlie Brown says, “Isn’t there anyone who knows what Christmas is all about?” And Linus quotes a passage from the Gospel of Luke to explain the Christmas story. Though the story’s magnitude is not easy to comprehend, the heart of Christmas is easily explained.
Isn’t it odd that everyone else gets all the gifts on His birthday? Odd indeed! But that’s what He planned! From peace on earth to goodwill to man, He’s the ultimate gift giver. He gave His time, gave his teaching, gave his example, gave his life, and continues to give his grace.
Cancel Christmas? You couldn’t cancel Christmas if you wanted to! It is a gift that cannot be ungiven and keeps on giving.
You cannot cancel Christmas any more than you can unborn the Christ child. He was. He is. He shall forever be!
“For unto us a child is born, unto us, a son is given”
Isaiah 9:6.
In today’s culture, it would seem more appropriate for this passage to read; “in spite of us.” It doesn’t. The passage is distinct and clear. The hope this birth brings is “unto us.” The redemption this son paid for is “unto us.” The unparalleled joy that Christmas celebration offers is also “unto us.”
Herod did his best to destroy the baby king’s domain. The innkeeper tucked away a promise in a stall. They both learned an important lesson-
You may choose not to receive, but you can never un-gift what has been given to you.
Happy birthday Jesus! We love not being able to get around celebrating you! You ae always in our way as we attempt to walk in yours.