“And the angel said to them ‘Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign to you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling clothes in a manger.” Luke 2:10-13
Christmas seems to happen earlier every year. Personally, I wait until after Thanksgiving to begin my celebration of our Savior’s birth.
I like to take my time to be thankful for all the blessings the Lord has placed in my life, then celebrate Him and His Son. Let’s not forget Thanksgiving, people! (Please don’t read that in a condescending voice…)
I want to make something clear, this is not to chastise or condemn anyone for celebrating Christmas early. Also, by writing this, I don’t mean you should never buy another Christmas present. It is one of my favorite things to do, after all.
One thing worth discussing however, is the growing cultural shift of Christmas among our generation.
The season has become one of greed and gimmicks, focusing more on worldly gifts rather than the gift we, mankind, received in a manger in Bethlehem.
According to a study done by Pew Research Center, “Nine-in-ten Millennials say they take part in Christmas, but only four-in-ten say they do so mainly as a religious holiday…”
Millennials have become entranced with all that comes with Christmas, making it more of a cultural celebration rather than the true reason the holiday was ever celebrated in the first place.
Why is it? Some say Millennials are much less religious than previous generations, and I can’t say I disagree. More and more, we are clinging to the things of this world rather than the Giver of life and the One from whom all blessings flow.
We have taken things into our own hands, depending on ourselves or putting all of our faith and worth in a job or a flawed human being.
We have had a hand in turning one of the most pure holidays into another day of enterprise.
The good news, besides our Savior being born, is that the Lord forgives and hears our prayers. No matter how many times we mess up or lose sight of Him or His Son, He is still in control and moving in our lives.
I admit, I take tremendous joy in giving gifts, decorating for Christmas and how the holiday brings family together.
However, it is imperative that we as a younger generation don’t miss the opportunity to pass on to the generations after us the importance of celebrating the Lord and the work He’s done through His Son.
So, go to the light festivals, white elephant and office Christmas parties. But, I encourage you while you celebrate to bring light to the real reason we celebrate. Whether it’s in a greeting, a “God bless you” or by showing the generosity the Lord bestows upon our hearts, put Christ at the center of Christmas.