It's that time of the year again.
Christmas is around the corner.
It really doesn't seem like a year has gone by again. I just don't believe it. Twelve months just go by too quickly!
So what does Christmas mean to you?
To most Westerners I think Christmas has turned into the biggest Shop-a-thon of the year. Not because we want to either. It seems we have to buy presents for the family, then there's the wrapping paper, and the name tags, cards, candy canes... the list goes on. There is pressure to buy the best food, presents and etc.
Why is Christmas so commercialised? Well I guess I know the answer to that. Businesses wouldn't make any profits if they didn't up-sell their products at Christmas time. I guess I just wish it wasn't as overwhelming.
But what does it really mean to you? Do you go along with the commercialism, thinking that's all there is to it? That's not what it says in the bible.
In the bible, the Christian bible, it is about the birth of a baby. A baby with a special purpose, to save mankind as a result of his birth and life, but especially his death.
Christmas is supposed to be the focus of Jesus's birth. Jesus Christ, not Jesus the celebrity, just to clear that up if anyone was confused. (I'm sure I heard about a celebrity called Jesus at one stage but I can't for the life of me think of his last name.)
That's why it is even called Christmas, it has Christ in it, because Christ was the main event. It was the reason why the 3 wise men came to the stable that night- to give gifts to the future saver of mankind. That's how the gift giving tradition started. They gave gifts of gold, myrrh and frankincense to honour the birth of the new king. The king of the Jews.
King Herod was also given the title the king of the Jews by the Romans, however, he was only part Jewish and unlike Jesus, he was not born of David's family line, so technically he was not really the true royal heir. When he heard about the birth of Jesus, he immediately wanted to kill him to prevent any threat to his throne. He didn't succeed but Jesus never became king in the magisterial sense, he was king of the Jews' hearts and spirits.
To me, Christmas is about the birth of my Saviour, my friend, my comforter, my brother in spirit. He has given me the gift of forgiveness for all of the sins I make in my life; all of the problems, the stuff-ups, the complaints, the swearing, the ungratefulness, the controlling behaviour, selfishness, rebellion, anger, hate, guilt and fear.
No one could give me a better gift than that.
Although I still make mistakes I know that Jesus has forgiven me, for the past, present and future mistakes in my life. This doesn't give me a licence to make more mistakes on purpose but it means that when I inevitably make them, because I am still a sinner and everyone makes mistakes, I know I am forgiven. It is because of his grace that I am saved, through his death on the cross.
You may be thinking it is all well and good for me to believe in Christ, but what about Santa, he is another symbol of Christmas. That is true but where did Santa originate from and what were his influences?
The true story of Santa Claus begins with Nicholas, who was born during the third century in the village of Patara. At the time the area was Greek and is now on the southern coast of Turkey. His wealthy parents, who raised him to be a devout Christian, died in an epidemic while Nicholas was still young. Obeying Jesus' words to "sell what you own and give the money to the poor," Nicholas used his whole inheritance to assist the needy, the sick, and the suffering. He dedicated his life to serving God and was made Bishop of Myra while still a young man. Bishop Nicholas became known throughout the land for his generosity to the those in need, his love for children, and his concern for sailors and ships.
Under the Roman Emperor Diocletian, who ruthlessly persecuted Christians, Bishop Nicholas suffered for his faith, was exiled and imprisoned. The prisons were so full of bishops, priests, and deacons, there was no room for the real criminals—murderers, thieves and robbers. After his release, Nicholas attended the Council of Nicaea in AD 325. He died December 6, AD 343 in Myra and was buried in his cathedral church, where a unique relic, calledmanna, formed in his grave. This liquid substance, said to have healing powers, fostered the growth of devotion to Nicholas. The anniversary of his death became a day of celebration, St. Nicholas Day, December 6th (December 19 on the Julian Calendar).
Through the centuries many stories and legends have been told of St. Nicholas' life and deeds. These accounts help us understand his extraordinary character and why he is so beloved and revered as protector and helper of those in need.
I have highlighted two words from the passage above in bold. Devout Christian. Saint Nicholas helped the poor and the needy, why? Because of his love for Christ, so he was therefore willing to do what Christ wanted of him. My point? Christmas still started with Christ.
You can all think what you like, but I thought for once I would share my point of view about what Christmas means to me.
Us and an outback friend at the Old Timer's Mine
The tranquil Glen Helen Gorge
The goanna we patted at the reptile centre.