I love the holidays, and I do enjoy many of the nostalgic traditions that go with it. For me it all starts on Thanksgiving morning. I sleep in a little, and get up to a good cup of coffee and pass a glance every now and then to the parades on TV. I remember watching them as a child while Mom prepared the turkey for our afternoon feast. After watching a few floats, I'll usually play my guitar for a couple of hours during which time I'll occasionally make a joke or comment about some goofy song and dance number going on in front of Macy's. This year wasn't very different, but I couldn't help but feel troubled in my spirit as I saw the bands and dancers stopping on the star and enjoying a few seconds of the spotlight. I don't know why it hasn't occurred to me before, but I couldn't miss the striking and complete absence of the very heart of Thanksgiving and Christmas as I watched the parades. There were obligatory references by the hosts to "giving thanks," but an awkward silence about to Whom we are to be thankful. It was so glaring to me that I imagine if Katie Couric would have said the name Jesus, censors would have bleeped it out thinking she was using profanity. Sadly, it seems that, in any context, the name of our Lord if uttered in the public arena has become considered profane. The old mantra of separation of church and state has slowly been extended to imply separation of church and and all things public, even Christmas. The exclamation point came at the announcement that the guest of honor had arrived...Santa Claus. Don't get me wrong, I've got nothing against the jolly old elf, but last I checked the holiday we celebrate every December 25th is not called Clausmas. It appears there is still no room in the inn all these years later..
I have a great vacation trip, and lots of fun activities planned for my family this Christmas, but I pray that like the shepherds watching their flocks by night, we will not miss the true Guest of Honor this Christmas. And to do my small part, let me echo the words from another of our family's favorite Christmas traditions, A Charlie Brown Christmas, as Linus recites this little reminder about the true meaning of Christmas from Luke 2: 8-14
"And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them,Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men."
Merry Christmas
