Christmas Contradictions

Of all the days on the calendar, this one stands out.

In our culture December 25 means a deadline for shoppers, a day off for workers, a reunion for families, a holy day for church goers, and a melancholy day for the lonely. Little kids and big business leaders circle December 25 on their calendars and count the days till it arrives.

The holiday's predictability is part of what makes it special. Unlike Thanksgiving and Easter, Christmas doesn't change dates from year to year. Just say "December 25th" and everyone knows it's a time for feasting and resting, for cookies and candles, for watching football and nurturing family traditions. It's the start of the year's final week—a time to catch our breath and prepare for the new year ahead.

December 25th is filled with contradictions big and small.

Kids who won't pick up their socks hang up their stockings.

Carolers croon about silent nights and peace on earth in shopping malls filled with noise and stress.

People who've never seen real reindeer picture them on the roof of the house.

Party-goers in tropical climates wearing shorts and sandals stand under palm trees listening to songs about snowmen and winter wonderlands.

Parents who have never personally examined the claims of Christ nod approvingly while their children sing about "glory to the newborn King."

Critics decry the holiday's commercialism, yet spend more on holiday gifts than they gave to support God's work all year long.

A secularist speaks out against religious symbols in the public arena, but finds an inexplicable tear in his eye when he hears a choir sing the "Hallelujah Chorus."

Defenders of tradition say, "Keep Christ in Christmas," but make little effort to keep Christ at the center of their daily lives.

Consistently Living by Faith

The songs of the season stir my soul and lift my spirits. The holiday get-togethers remind me how blessed I am to be connected with family, friends, and coworkers who care about me. There's something profoundly right—and profoundly Christian—about the generous, cheerful spirit that fills the air this time of year. But holiday distractions can create clutter instead of clarity about a Christian's priorities.

Jesus doesn't command us to celebrate his birth, but he does tell us to remember his death when we gather at the Lord's Table.

He doesn't require us to sing carols, but his Word does say to "sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God" (Colossians 3:16).

The Lord doesn't order us to give one another extravagant holiday gifts, but he does say "it is more blessed to give than to receive" (Acts 20:35).

As we enter a new year, the Lord doesn't tell us to wear red and green, but he does instruct us to put on the whole armor of God.

The Bible says little about the manger, but it says a lot about the cross.

The worst contradiction, I suppose, would be to celebrate someone's birthday but give little thought to the guest of honor. So let's enjoy our Christmas traditions on this December 25th, but let's also resolve that our lives won't contradict the faith we profess.

Consistently living by faith—that's a gift the Lord will help us unwrap every day.