Here goes a confession…I love Jesus.  I have a heart that aches (sometimes beyond what is reasonable) for those who are hurting in this world.  Now for what could surprise some of you… I also love and value Christmas.  More shocking, I don’t think Jesus is super caught up in Christmas.  There, I said it, Jesus doesn’t (in my opinion) care about His “big day”, beyond any other. 

The Gospel is the “Power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes.”(Romans 1:16)  In it “a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last.” (Romans 1:17)  This is ENORMOUSLY good news!  It requires a response that changes EVERY SINGLE LITTLE THING about how we live, who we serve, and what we value.  The truth of the gospel reveals the message that it is our whole purpose as believers to share.  Our whole lives have no legitimate purpose beyond reflecting who our Lord is here in this earth until He returns. 

So, back to Christmas, I completely understand and appreciate the adjustments that people are making in their modes of participation in this American cultural event.  Is it appropriate to spend billions of dollars on things we don’t need?  Of course not, but that is not special for Christmas.  How about we stop self indulgent consumerism as a way of life, generally?  I think Jesus cares about our fully surrendering to His plan and Lordship everyday. 

My family will continue to take what is valuable in keeping the tradition of Christmas.  We will continue to snuggle up in front of Christmas movies.  We will enjoy Christmas music and Christmas cookies.  We will work on surprises for each other, and for a few friends.  My little girls may even find a wished for dolly under the tree.  We will think of others and give extra (till it “hurts”) to those who have need.  We will build traditions and make memories with the children whom the Lord has brought us, but have precious little time with.  We will reflect on and rejoice in the miracle of our salvation and relationship with the God of the Universe. 

We will not spend incredible amounts of money.  We will not look through catalogs and make lists of things that we want, or worse, think we need.  We will not even shop, for the most part, in typical stores.  We will also not teach our children that Santa is real, although we don’t mind enjoying him as a cultural figure and representation of selfless giving.  Truly, though, these are not special Christmas rules.  These are just consequences of a different world view held everyday.  I am guessing that our everyday is what really matters, and our celebrations at Christmas can be held without compromising hearts surrendered to a God who didn’t stop in His plan for our salvation at just making us servants, but instead made us His own children and co-heirs with Christ (Romans 8:16-17). AMAZING!