The Great Christmas Battle

The Great Christmas Battle

By TreAnna B.   

 When Christmas time rolls around every year, it seems that along with the signs that read “Get it in time for Christmas!!”, there's also an emergence of a surplus of nativity stories and reminders of the true reason for Christmas. I like to call this the Great Christmas Battle. Commercialism vs. Christ.

   

    Let's not pretend; we all love the notion of getting presents for Christmas. The excitement we feel as we see those brightly wrapped parcels laying under our Christmas tree is hardly in competition with anything else.

    At the same time, we are constantly being reminded (and perhaps even reminding ourselves) that giving is what counts. We may even feel a bit guilty about those brightly wrapped packages after a few days. We drop a couple of dollars in the Salvation Army bucket and call it good.

    The point I want to make is this: Christmas is about more than presents, however, it's also about more than the nativity. I feel like we get so wrapped up in expressing what the true meaning of Christmas is that we forget to truly celebrate it and be thankful.

    Its like our attention becomes divided. We may not mean to push the story to the side, but we do. In the rush to make sure we have all the presents—including the antique handmuff for Great Aunt Hilda—the dinner is cooked, all the cards are sent out, and all the decorations are put up, we just simply forget the true reason for the season.

    On the other end of the spectrum, we have Christ. Normally this is seen in church as the preacher teaches us the story of His birth. Or as members of the congregation gather around us talking of Christmas parties that will be hosted using nativity scenes as center pieces.

    So, you see, we've allowed even the church to become commercialized. I'll admit that even I've fallen into this trap. We still believe in the true spirit of the season—giving. However, in the grand scheme we get too tied up with what we need to do and where we need to be.

    What if we just stopped and reflected? What if we just stopped and said thank you?

An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

“Glory to God in the highest heaven,and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”