Christmas and Incarnation

Our Advent Blocks

The big day is almost here and we can’t slow down the Advent clock.  How’s that checklist coming along?

• Lights strung (yes)
• Nativity displayed (yes)
• Baking complete (almost)
• Presents wrapped (no!)
• Menu planned (yes)
• Food and ingredients bought (yes)
• Christmas Music playing (yes)
• Cards sent (yes)
• Gingerbread houses made (yes)

Hmmm what would happen if I answered “no” to every item on my list?  What if I don’t do anything on my list?  Will Christmas still come?  Imagine December 25th with no gifts, no lights, no delectable sweets, no stockings, no music, no pageants... would it still be Christmas?

It all depends on what we define as “Christmas”.  I think that most Christians would agree that we celebrate the birth of Jesus on December 25th, but over the years we have tacked on many traditions to commemorate this sacred event - cards, candies, trees, lights, presents, pageants, and a chubby man in a red suit (wait, where did he come from?).

It seems as though there are two separate celebrations going on; one where materialism and sentimentalism greatly influence the hustle and bustle of this time of year, and the other is an attempt to recognize Jesus as Mary's miraculous child.  Corey and I have tried to bridge the gap of this dichotomy we call "Christmas", but every year, after a thoughtful evaluation we have found the conundrum of Christmas to be unresolved.  How do we make Christmas meaningful and communicate to people that we are engaging in something different, set a part, holy?

We have come to the realization that "Christmas" can be whatever people in our secular society deem it to be, but in an effort to secure this high feast day, this remembrance of God becoming a helpless baby so that we who are slaves to sin can be set free to serve Him, we have decided to call the 25th Incarnation Day.  You don’t need cards, candies, presents, lights and trees to celebrate the Incarnation of The Son of God.  What you do need is time to reflect on this supernatural truth, time to read, think, sing, and share with your children, your spouse, and loved ones. 

I am not advocating that Christians promptly collect all their Christmas doo-dads and throw them in the dumpster, however we should be careful that Christmas does not keep us from reveling in The Incarnation.  By drinking deeply of Christ’s condescension and the Father’s love there should be an outpouring of joy and gratitude, and The Spirit may move you to give gifts, make tasty treats to share, string up colorful lights, decorate an evergreen, sing carols, or ring a bell at a grocery store.  None of these things are bad, and none of them are necessary.

What I am advocating is that we do what we do all unto the glory of God, the Most High.  Choose your Christmas traditions and activities wisely, relish the Incarnation, and enjoy! 

                          

Instead of just wishing you a Merry Christmas, I wish you an Incarnation Celebration brimming with hope, reverence, and laughter.