There are a lot of Christmas songs that depict the birth of Christ and the fulfillment of the prophecy from Isaiah. Then there are others that speak quite a different message. Some, like "Grandma got runned over by a reindeer" are meant entertain us. Yet others are meant to manipulate us or at least our children. One in particular is "Santa Claus is coming to town". I really don't like that song and detest the message Christians portray to their children in support of it. Besides perpetuating the lie that is Santa Claus, the additional message that everything depends on your works just kills me. Warnings of what will happen if you aren't good are not specified but implied. Santa Claus only gives gifts to good little children. They don't even go into what is good and by whose definition. Yet, that song won't go away. Every Christmas that I can remember I find non-Christian songs played right along with Christian songs as if they were somehow attached to the Gospel.
I hope you remember my recent blog speaking to looking forward to looking back instead of looking forward. When we do so, we are not worshipping God. Christmas songs can present the future or the past. By singing the Christian carols we renew our hope in Christ, his life, death, and resurrection. There is only looking forward in Christians songs of Christmas. On the contrary, all those Christmas songs that portray anything but Christ are tied to the past. Your and my past are judged in the above mentioned song. While it's nice to look at Christmas past the danger is that we will not be able to focus on the future. Looking forward calls us to focus on that which is to come. Grandma getting run over by reindeer doesn't do that even though it's funny. "Frosty the snowman" "Rudolph the red nosed reindeer" and similar songs don't bring the Christian message just as "I'll be home for Christmas." Home for the Christian is Heaven. While "Silent night" is a classic picture of the reverence we should have for what God did for us. He brought us his son so that we could have life. Now that's a Christian Christmas song!
Truth be told, Jesus gives us the gift of life and not only life but life abundantly. Now that's a real present! The miracle of his birth, life and resurrection are such an incredible gift that becomes overshadowed when we veer off he path that brings us life. You and I can swap gifts, sing songs and celebrate this Present. We can eat, see old friends and relatives and have a great time. Think for a moment what your situation represents to the widow and the orphan. What do you have to give them? Want a real Christmas present? Give away that which you have to those in need of what you have. Want to show your love of Jesus? Don't tell anyone that you are doing so. It's not a time to puff yourself up. It's time to show grace and mercy to those who struggle living every moment of ever day. Ever visit a Senior center or the VA hospital? Go and visit! Your present of presence will be felt forever in their lives. Take a moment to thank a service person of our military, police, fire department, and other vital services for their work. "Thank you for serving." is an incredible gift and it's not covered by Santa Claus coming to town. Oh, and they will be taking care of grandma. What will you be doing with your gift from Christ? It's always your choice.
No comments:
Post a Comment