Christmas Vs. NYC 

Posted on by beautybeyondbones

Doesn’t matter who I’ve talked to recently — Christian baby boomers, non-religious 20-somethings, an 8-year-old girl, my friends, the cute guy sitting behind me at church, the cashier at the grocery store — everyone’s in agreement about one thing:

It doesn’t feel like Christmas.

I don’t know if it’s the lack of snow, or all the negativity in the media, or the fact that LED twinkle lights are officially taking over as the norm, but one thing’s for sure…it’s December 12, and people are not in the Christmas spirit.


Living in NYC is so special…especially around the holidays. There really is nothing comparable. The lights, the shopping, the smell of roasting chestnuts, the Christmas displays, the holiday markets, the ice skating…it’s something you’ve got to experience in person to truly appreciate.



But I dunno…this year, it just hasn’t been quite the same.

I’m not seeing quite as many decorations up. I’m not hearing hardly any Christmas music. There just isn’t that cheer that has been such a mainstay around this time of year.

I was thinking about this the other night. I had a free evening, so I went to the candlelight Christmas concert at my church. And it was truly as beautiful as it sounds. A cappella music; that breathtaking, non-LED, amber glow from real candles; and a stunning church to boot – complete with holly accents.

And it was in that moment that I had one of those, stomach-dropping moments.

I asked myself, “Is Christmas dead?”

Sure, maybe inside my church walls, it’s alive and well…but walk outside these red doors and it’s a different story. A somber thought indeed.

The next morning, I was at brunch with my friends and we were all talking about our holiday travel plans. Who was visiting the houses of a significant other for the first time, who was going to be in town for New Year’s Eve…you know…the worries and preoccupations of a typical 20-something.

But the conversation suddenly found itself in a discussion about the meaning of Christmas. And all the questions were directed at the resident-Christian…me.

What’s the big deal between ‘Merry Christmas’ or ‘Happy Holidays?’ Why can’t everybody just say, “Merry Christmas?” Because to many of my friends…Christmas was just a time of year. It was that “feel good” time with family and friends, and Christmas trees, snowmen and Santa Claus. What’s the big deal if a Jewish person says “Merry Christmas?” Why would they even care– Christmas is just a cultural, seasonal holiday anyway? Can’t we all just be in agreement about “Merry Christmas?” 

And I suddenly found myself trying to articulate the difference between Judiasim and Christianity.

And I was explaining to one of my non-Christian, non-anything friends how Christmas celebrates the birth of Jesus. And that, unlike Jewish people, Christians believe that Jesus is the Messiah – the “Bringer” of our Salvation. And so, in essence, Christmas is the celebration of the point of our faith. We’re celebrating the birth of Jesus.

I cited how at my house, we make a gingerbread house with my niece one day, and then the next day, we make a birthday cake for Jesus.

And he took this all in. And we ended the conversation by coming to the agreement that Christmas, in actuality, is a deeply personal time of year. Because contrary to what culture dictates, whether it’s “CHRISTmas” or just another cultural celebration, a la, Thanksgiving, it actually means something. And to the people who say ‘Merry Christmas’ because of the birth of Jesus, it means something much deeper than just the season of White Peppermint Mochas and tidings of good cheer.

And maybe it was the 2 Mimosas I was currently processing on an empty stomach, but hearing those words coming out of my mouth, as I was explaining the point of Christmas to a non-believer…it dawned on me…

Something that I’m not proud to admit.

So far this year, I’m guilty of experiencing a Jesus-less Christmas.

Which sounds horrible. I know. It’s not like I’m denying my Savior, but admittedly, He hasn’t been the focus of this time of year just yet.

This year, I don’t know, I guess I have just been so wrapped up in the busyness of Christmas, rather than the miracle.

And hearing myself explain, in “kid english” what Christmas was all about, I realized….that’s what was missing.

I had forgotten about Jesus.

After all, isn’t that the real point of Christmas?

I’ve never been one to really fall into the “War-On-Christmas”-camp, but I do think that there’s some truth to the de-Jesus-ing of Christmas. We want to celebrate Christmas, and have our red-and-green, and Santa hats, and say “Merry Christmas” instead of “Happy Holidays,” which is all well and good…but where is Jesus in all of that?

I have this visual in my head of the manger scene, but instead of an amber-lit, peaceful scene of Baby Jesus’ humble beginnings, His manger is buried under Macy’s boxes, Starbucks cups, Hatchimals, and competitively-lit Christmas light displays.

So, realistically, what can we do about this?

Because honestly….it’s tough. There are still going to be parties to attend and travel plans to make. And even with the help of Amazon, those gift’s ain’t gonna buy themselves.

I think at the end of the day, it’s gotta come back to Jesus.

If there’s one Christmas decoration to put up this year…(besides the tree)…it’s the manger scene.

Because just like literally everything else in life…Jesus isn’t going to boisterously shove His presence into our lives. He’s going to just be there, quietly, not seeking attention, as that Little Baby, softly cooing and being peaceful. He’s always there, available, just waiting for us to come in and keel beside the manger. But we’ve got to decide to do so.

So maybe that’s what I need to do more of.

Take a breather, and go back to the manger. Look in and see the Christ Child in His infancy, knowing full well the magnitude and significance His birth brings to our salvation.

Because without that perspective, Christmas is just an empty holiday. Filled with “feel-good” traditions, patrolling elves on shelves, and unhealthy doses of materialism.


Maybe I should take to heart that soliloquy I uttered at brunch yesterday, while waiting for my pancakes to arrive.

Really, what does Christmas mean?

It’s time to go back to the manger.

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310 thoughts on “Christmas Vs. NYC ”

  2. What if keeping “Christ” in Christmas didn’t mean that you had to stick a mini-manger scene to your back car window, wear Jesus bling hats, or walk around singing Adeste Fidelis? To be clear, I have no issues with those options as I love me some Adeste Fidelis, I don’t car if people Jesus bling their hats even if it’s not my personal style, and I am cool with the sticker but my back car window already has a shark eating stick people. What I’m saying is that to me, keeping Christ in Christmas can happen in a countless ways. Help people in need whether it happens at a soup kitchen or in the store when someone drops a bag. Have fun, laugh and invite others to join in. Let people know that they are welcome in your heart, and if that’s a struggle, dig deep and send love and good wishes from afar. It seems to me like you already keep Christ in Christmas and in your life. We are Christian as well, but I don’t think twice about wishing our Jewish friends happy Hanukkah AND merry Christmas. Everyone does it differently, and you are already living it. Christmas is not a time of year. It’s a state of being. You’ve seen my crazy elf posts and the crazy stuff we do, but at the end of the day, it’s about finding the fun and joy in it. You truly do have beauty beyond bones and that is your soul and spirit. Personally I think you are rocking keeping Christ in Christmas. Shine on sweet one! 🙂

    Liked by 3 people

    1. Hi Leo and Jo! Thank you so much! what a kind note of encouragement. You’re right — I love keeping fun and silliness and traditions in christmas well! (Growing up in the 90’s, my mom used to pretend there was an elf that lived in our woods and would leave us presents! hah — she was on the Elf of the Shelf train long before it was even a “thing!” hehe ) so you’re right, those fun traditions are in no way “bad” or anything. I just need to remember why we’re celebrating in the first place. And i love that – when I was a kid, we had a christian singing group, and every holiday season, we’d go caroling at nursing homes, and one of the songs we would sing was called “Let’s Keep Christmas the Whole Year Through.” I never connected those dots until you just mentioned it now! But you’re right — it is an everyday thing! thanks for stopping by! hugs xox

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Side note disclaimer – I sing “O Holy Night” in the shower all year long like I am preparing for an audition on The Voice. I looooove the old Christmas songs and the candles and the trees in church and the smell of pine and cinnamon. I love that I know at the end of the Christmas Eve service, they will be singing Joy to the World despite the fact that I’m not really wild about that song. It’s just the tradition of it. So I 100% get where you are coming from. I just wanted you to see the spirit and magic you already bring to the table all the time, and if no one else wants to bust out Christmas in style, maybe rock one of those horrific holiday sweaters in public. Makes me laugh every time, but then sometimes I also feel genuinely bad because I think “Wait – were you kidding with all of us, or did you actually choose that top thinking that it was a normal piece of knitwear?” 😉

        Liked by 2 people

      2. hahaha oh my gosh that’s hysterical! honestly, that’s one of my favorite songs to sing too….Falllllll on your kneeeeees….oh heeeeeearrrrrr the angel voiiiiiiiiicesssss — SO GOOD!!!! 🙂 Same here. i love it all! yeah my family always goes to midnight mass on christmas eve and i love the candlelight caroling before hand. so beautiful. xoxoxoxo

        Liked by 2 people

  3. I loved reading a New Yorker’s inside view of Christmas in the Big City. For some reason I have been watching a lot of videos about the Rockettes, knowing I will never see them in person. New York is a universe away from Vermont.

    I have a different take on Christmas and its meaning. I have come to see that the unique quality of this holiday season is grace. Grace, the free gift of unmerited mercy–it is the essence of what we experience this season! Think of how we pour love into gifts even for the hard-to-love family members. How we naturally turn to share from the overflow of gratitude to those less fortunate.

    I’ve come to sense that a conscious effort to put Christ into our celebrations is not necessary, because after all, as Christians we are feeding on His Word an communing with the Lord daily. And the ‘baby in the manger’ is just a small part of the good news, that the Creator entered His creation to communicate His grace to us, like an artist entering her painting of hungry birds as a bird herself in order to lead them to the birdfeeder in the corner. (She can holler all she wants at the painting but they won’t hear her.)

    As I move through the busyness that is this holiday, I find my heart singing, “Grace, grace, grace to it!” I embrace the trouble of all the work it takes to make this the high celebration of the year, especially for my widowed and permanent-bachelor brothers-in-law, who lack the comforts of a woman in their home. The act speaks so much more deeply than word or even a manger will do: they experience grace in my home at Christmas. When we pray over the meal it is enough–they know the source of our love. We don’t preach.

    So, relax. Put up the manger if you like; keep reading your Bible and listening to the Lord; and throw yourself heartily into the celebration this month. January austerity comes soon enough. But now we rejoice in the grace of the Lord whose name is “God with us”.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Thank you so much for this beautiful reflection. Oh, grace — what a life changing thing indeed. You’re right – God with us — that’s what we’re celebrating. But it’s a daily thing. Christ is always the baby in the manger, and the man on the cross. His grace abounds. Thanks for stopping by! hugs xox

      Liked by 1 person

  4. As an Anglican I really value Advent, because there is focus on the prophecies that build up to the birth of the Messiah AND on preparing our hearts for his return.

    I lived in Manhattan in the mid-80s and I agree, it’s a great Christmas backdrop. Sad that it’s fading, but that only lets people like you shine the more:

    “…children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world” (Philippians 2:15).

    May your Christmas be blessed with the full light of Christ.

    Liked by 1 person

  5. I think this may be the first time I didn’t read and respond same day! Work went late last night, and my response was difficult to write. You might wait for a quiet time and place before reading it on Patreon. As always, Jeff

    Liked by 1 person

  7. I completely agree. I too, was struggling with the focus of Christmas. I bought an advent devotional from Love God Greatly, and it is helping me keep perspective this season. Their devotionals are free, the app is free, but the devotional journal is on Amazon for purchase. I’m going to put up a manner scene this week after reading your post! Also, we’re going to make a Jesse tree. Thanks for the encouragement.

    Liked by 1 person

  8. Absolutely love this post! Sadly you’re so right it doesn’t feel like Christmas at all, my roommates and I were just talking about this and how no one seems to be in the holiday spirit. It seems like they’re just overcome by the stress of finding the right present or other meaningless things that come along with Christmas. I love how you ended by saying we need to go back to the manger it’s such a good reminder of where to focus during this season 💛

    Liked by 1 person

  9. Very insightful. Xmas in NYC is one of those things I have always wanted to do. Still do….
    I wonder if the city being so predominately and openly liberal is still a little in shock from the election, hence the lack of spirit in general?

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Hi friend! I hope you can get here and experience the city in its full Christmas splendor! 🙂 I think you’re right-the fifth avenue Christmas window displays just aren’t quite the same when on the same block, you’ve got hundreds of trump protestors outside of trump tower. Glad you stopped by! Hugs and love xox

      Like

  11. Love this! I go through a little internal Christmas battle every single year. This year, God whispered the solution to me one morning when I’d been praying to hear clearly from Him through all the other stuff. Somewhat surprisingly, it was the last three words of John 19:5, which has become my new Christmas meditation this year! 😉

    Liked by 1 person

  12. Your blog the way write with such ease, it is truly and inspiration, I feel like you are talking to all of us. And I know what you mean about Christmas, it doesn’t feel like it, not one bit.

    Liked by 1 person

  15. Most certainly it is time to return to the Holy Manger! The media and society as a whole has made one of our most important Holy Days into a secular day to earn a buck and the same can be said for Easter (but that’s another can of worms for another day). Meditate and live the words of the Holy Gospel of Luke 2:4-20!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Hi Padre Tatro! Thank you so much for this beautiful reflection. You’re right — we’ve gotta get back to the reason why we’re celebrating in the first place…and that’s the Christ Child:) I’m on my way to look up those verses right now! So glad you stopped by! Hugs xox

      Liked by 1 person

  16. Thank you so much for this post! Just minutes befor reading, I was kind of sad (first year being away from family after we moved) and was thinking the same thing! That it didn’t feel like Christmas. I started looking for traditions to start or more decor to get out but I just need to look back to the reason for the season! Can I repost this? 😊

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Hi there! Thank you so much for your kind words! Aw, I’m sorry that you were having a moment of missing your family. I think that’s such a great idea-to go back to The Source. There’s something so beautiful about the Holy Family that night, huddled together in the stable with all the animals. It is such a powerful image of what family is. Sending massive hugs to you. And yes! I would be honored if you reposted it! Xox

      Liked by 1 person

  17. I got a solution you might like. The portable manger! Made out of tin foil, it is thin as an envelope. You open it and there it is: the ultra light nativity scene that fits in your pocket! How do I upload a picture?

    Liked by 1 person

  18. Reblogged this on Mama Knows Mess and commented:
    Right before reading this post, I was having a moment. I was missing my family (this is the first year without them close following our cross country move) and thinking that this year didn’t feel like Christmas. What an awesome perspective and reminder to look back to the reason for the season! Thinking about the family all huddled in the manger celebrating life! So refreshing!

    Liked by 1 person

  25. Isaiah 9:2 says, “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.” Jesus came into the world, into Israel, during a time of great darkness. He was born into a nation that was occupied by a brutal foreign regime. The baby King was born into a nation that had grown accustomed to oppression and hopelessness. Times are dark…but as Jesus said, “The Kingdom of God is here”…You are right Carolyn…it all goes back to the manger…the incarnation…the hope of the world…Christ with us…Christ in us….and your conversation with your friends…letting the light of the incarnate God shine through you to those who are looking for hope. That is the story of Christmas! Merry Christmas sister! Keep letting His light shine through you!
    Tom
    ps your gifs are hilarious

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks so much Tom. What a powerful verse. I appreciate you sharing it with me! You’re right-going back to the manger is where we need to focus this Christmas. Christ in us. I love that:) hope your week is off to a great start! Hugs and love xox

      Like

  26. It’s so easy to get caught up in the things and activities surrounding Christmas and miss the Christ of Christmas. Some seasons and years are more like that than others. For me, the act that always brings me back to the reality of Almighty God choosing humility and vulnerability-of the King of the Universe choosing to enter our broken world wrapped only in flesh-is reaching out and helping others. Little things like opening doors, helping an older person with a bag or larger things like donating to food pantries or angel tree kids’ drives. I never pass the red kettle without tossing something in. And I always try to smile, to say an encouraging word, to leave someone more certain of God’s grace than I found them. Light in darkness. That’s the beauty of Christmas.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Hi Melanie! Thank you so much for this beautiful reflection. You’re so right-we can lose sight of why we’re celebrating amidst all the hustle and bustle. That’s so beautiful. When we help others, we are acting outside ourselves and serving Jesus. And you’re right-even something as small as a smile to a stranger can share His grace and mercy. Thanks for stopping by! Hugs and love xox

      Liked by 1 person

  28. I love this! It wasn’t until just the other day when I asked my 3 year old what the main point of Christmas was and she answered–presents and Santa, most assuredly, that I realized my focus has been completely wrong! :0 Love your post for sure.

    Liked by 1 person

      1. I have so little time to comment these days… But I read your blog regularly on my phone. 😉 I thought it was time I dropped a comment though to let you know that I was still here. Ha, ha. 🙂 Incredible, heart-felt writing, as always!

        Like

  32. I’m living in an area that delights in putting up Christmas lights. So it helps. But still, I know what you are saying. Some years I’m totally grinch/scrooge until I get alone and just look at the tree. Something very special usually happens then.

    You reminded me of a pic I took a year or two ago… Downtown parish. Poor area… whites are the minority. A good place to go to avoid the usual busy bodies.

    Merry Christmas!

    Liked by 1 person

  33. Loved your post. Also thanks for checking out my blog. I don’t know if you have much to do with teaching, foster care, or adoption, but if you ever need a guest post on those subjects I would be happy to!
    Merry Christmas!
    Brooke

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  35. People aren’t feeling Christmas because they are frightened about America’s future. Inside my church, my family, my friends, we have Jesus as a priority, He is always there. This year, He gives us great comfort.

    Liked by 1 person

  36. For me, Christmas and Jesus are two quite different things and the difference is amplified as December 25th approaches. I have no idea what Jesus would have thought about the blend of commercialism and arch-piety that has been constructed in his name because it is not my place in the universe to pretend I know what others think or thought. In fact, there are at least two Christmases, as I’ve suggested above: (1) buy it now for tomorrow the price goes back to normal (or perhaps it doesn’t); (2) on this particular day (12/25/xyza), remember that Christ was born and from his birth salvation from sin became a possibility but not a certainty, depending on which shard of Christianity you choose to follow and because only God knows whether your repentance and acceptance were true and complete or not. Both of these Christmases seem quite different than what Christ taught his apostles and disciples. From his rage against the temple machine, it could be construed that he would not be too pleased about the commercial, light-everything-up, who-has-the-best/most-lights, who-is-this-Santa-guy? (the first saint was canonized in 973 AD and was NOT Saint Claus but Saint Udalricus), reindeer?-wtf-are-reindeer? aspects of how we honor his birth. Most of us by now are quite aware that he was not born on 12/25 anyway. Both fundamentally religious and scrupulously scientific sources suggest a birth in August or September and that 12/25 was put forward due to an existing pagan celebration of the winter solstice. How the two were smooshed together into a day when piety comes into question for those who do not say the magic words “Merry Christmas” is really beyond me! And why should I go around assuming that everyone is a Christian by saying “Merry Christmas” when the probability, even in the U.S., is that one out of four (give or take) do not identify themselves as such? Would Christ really want us all to go around assuming something in his name when he lived in an impossibly diverse place and time himself? Doesn’t seem like the fellow that is described in the Bible to me, but I could be completely wrong and I don’t want to pretend I know his thoughts.
    And then there’s the whole thing of celebrating his birth and death as “high holy days” (actually a concept from Judaism) with a whole bunch of nonsense about an obese, sleigh-riding man and rabbits distributing eggs (wouldn’t the egg-laying platypus be a better Easter animal? or is that where chicks come into the picture? so confused…), then letting the rest of the year sort of ride, except on Sundays and perhaps Wednesdays.
    So: (1) say what you want to people but don’t confuse it with what Christ would have wanted you to do; (2) remember that 12/25 is something other than the day of Christ’s birth; (3) do your shopping when you need things and not because Christ would want you to get in on that really good sale, particularly if it meant knocking someone over at WalMart or Macy’s or wherever; (4) there is nothing biblical about the number, color, or type of lights you put up, nor is there about plucking a perfectly good evergreen from the ground and letting it die a slow death in your house; and (5) if you’re a Christian, be one every day and remember that profound humility and care for our fellow creatures is a centerpiece to what we know of his teachings.
    Please pardon the lack of capital “h” in the appropriate places. I’m not sure he wouldn’t mind, but if this is the greatest of my sins I’m probably going to be okay.
    MSOC

    Liked by 1 person

  37. Thanks so much for bringing us back to where our focus should be – on Jesus. May you really be blessed this Christmas as you get together with friends and family and may you be filled with joy and peace throughout 2017

    Liked by 1 person

  38. Wow! Thanks for that. My father was an Amtrak engineer back in the day so we’d take day trips from Baltimore to NYC between Xmas and New Years. Your reflections on your city this time of year brought back memories.

    Our college-age daughter, this morning, was making the observation few to no one knows Christmas carols anymore. Some things are being lost.

    I appreciate your grounding and honesty. May the love of our Father capture you afresh these days and bless you with wonderful encounters with him this new year.

    Grace & peace.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks Jeff! Oh wow, what a cool memory. Your dad’s job held the eastern sea board together! I know! I miss he Christmas carolers! My friends and j used to do it in elementary school. Have seen anyone else do it since! Same to you! Hugs and love xox

      Liked by 2 people

  39. A great read!! It’s uplifting to know that there are other “young people” out there that still realize the true, unforgettable reason for this widely celebrated time of year. And coming from someone who lives in America’s largest, and sometimes known as materialistic, city, it is awesome to know that you and many others still hold true to Christ. Thanks for pointing out these problems (and the inevitable solution of God) with such attractive eloquence in wording. I thoroughly enjoy reading your posts and look forward to those coming in the future!! Also, thanks for the like on one of my recent blog posts 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

      1. Yeah…I am still working on it. I will let you know when it posts. Keep going. I follow Fr. Morris and today he said Mass and blessed my blog. So much negativity out there…I am passing along that peace to you and everyone on your blog too.💟

        Like

  42. Thanks for this post. I think it’s true; the real meaning of Christmas has been hidden behind materialistic things, rather than its true meaning. I love Christmas. Maybe because I don’t get wrapped up in all of that stuff. I mean I do buy gifts, but for me, it’s about spending time with loved ones. It’s about spending time with my son.
    Have a very merry Christmas!

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Hi Persia! Thank you so much for this thoughtful reflection. You’re right-I love that aspect of Christmas too. I look forward to that special time with my family all year round. It can be hard to live away from home, but knowing that I’ll get to see everyone, it keeps me going:) haha Hugs and love xox

      Liked by 1 person

  43. So, I kind of thought I was the only one who felt not so ‘Christmas-y’ this year; thanks for proving me wrong. 😉 I know for me, part of the reason is because my dad passed away three years ago, so that’s definitely changed how we do Christmas, and this season is always hard knowing he isn’t here and our lives aren’t the same. Thanks for this post, because it definitely helped remind me to focus more on Christ than how I’m feeling lately. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    2. Sorry! Accidentally hit send! Hi Bijah. Thanks for sharing this. I am so sorry for the loss of your father. I can’t imagine how difficult the holidays are. I’m giving you a huge huge hug through the screen. I will definitely. E praying for you and your family this Christmas, thatvyou may feel the love and grace of Jesus. Xoxo

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  44. I had that very thought myself about not feeling the Christmas spirit as much this year, but I have decided not to let that negativity into my soul. I choose to continue to believe in the miracle of Christmas and how Jesus came over 2000 year ago and how He promised to come again. So, we need to prepare for that, we need to shake the dust off and ask the Holy Spirit to infill us afresh with the spirit of joy and giving, because it’s only in the giving that we receive the joy and peace that only Christ can give. God bless you ❤

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Hi there! Thanks so much for this reflection. I think that’s a great idea — taking the high road of sorts:) amen to that. We need to always be living in a way with our eyes on His return. There is definitely joy and peace in Him. Glad you stopped by! Hugs and love xox

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  46. God bless you for this post it needed to be said. We do forget the very ones that knew of Jesus birth first were shepherds, that would be us. He came to the least for a reason because we (you) will always remember his humble beginnings. Great post. Merrry Christmas Happy birthday Jesus.

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    1. I guess that I should follow on with this: every women trying to conceive should pray that the world be filled with children that manifest divine grace. I think that they’d discover really beautiful things going on during their pregnancy.

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  49. Every year the day after my anniversary I start growing out my beard so Santa can make appearances at nursing homes, churches, day cares, and libraries. One element of my yearly appearance is a large, rather ornate, cross around my neck. I have had children ask what it was for and it gives me a chance to explain the meaning of Christmas. Telling the Christmas story to the one that asked and ALL the little ears listening. If ever I am told I cannot wear the cross I will tell whomever the cross is the only reason for Christmas. The Christ-child was born to die. Jesus was the perfect and holy lamb of God to be sacrificed by the High Priest to take away the sins of the world. Laying in the manger He was born in the shadow of the cross. Christmas is the season of God GIVING the gift of salvation to the world and it encourages us to gift each other but the materialism that the holiday has turned into disturbs me. A few years ago I wrote the following poem:

    T’Was the Day After Christmas!

    T’Was the Day After Christmas all the wrappings were torn,
    The kids didn’t care that Messiah was born.
    All the batteries were dead and the gifts cast aside,
    No one had told them how the Savior had died.
    Their eyes toward next Christmas when they get more new stuff,
    No matter how much it seems it’s never enough.
    I look at the world and I see the great need,
    Then I look at America and see little but greed.
    We have more; we need more; we want more, we MUST!
    No wonder the world looks on in disgust.
    So, before you grab to get all that you can
    Give away God’s love to help your fellow man.

    Merry Christmas to all and to all a good life!

    Liked by 1 person

  50. You are such a talented writer and your posts are very enjoyable to read!
    I liked your entire article but I really liked the following excerpt: “He’s always there, available, just waiting for us to come in and keel beside the manger. But we’ve got to decide to do so.”

    There is so so so much truth in that statement! His availability is contingent only upon the desire and posture of our hearts! Such an amazing thing to consider.

    Christmas to me is a time to not only remember but to accept the ultimate gift God gave to us, His son, Jesus Christ. I have been a Christian for many years but I am continually learning, realizing and accepting the greatness of God’s love for me and for everyone else!

    Wishing you a Very Merry Christ Filled Christmas!!

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