I am not going to tell you that it's wrong to have a 10' inflatable Santa Claus in your front yard. (It's just annoying to your neighbors.) I am not going to preach at you to tell you it's a sin to have a Christmas tree in your home or that you are raising hellion children by allowing them to open presents on Christmas Day. In our home, we have a healthy balance pertaining to Christmas.
I don't think God minds if we enjoy the celebration of the season. I don't think He has a giant dart board on a cloud in Heaven somewhere that He uses to throw darts at Santa's face. I think He accepts our celebration of Christmas, as long as we value the true meaning and remember to teach it to our children each year.
We have a beautiful lit tree in our living room. But underneath it is a Nativity scene honoring the birth of Christ. We buy an insane amount of gifts for our children each year. But we tell them about how the Wise Men brought gifts to honor the birth of the Savior. We listen to Christmas music, but make sure that we also have religious carols mixed in. We do the whole shebang, but make sure that we have true understanding of Christmas in our hearts.
I am thankful for a God who cares so much about me that He made the ultimate sacrifice for me. And I'm thankful that I still live in a country that allows me to celebrate this freely each year.
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.
Luke 2:11-14
2 comments:
I love and appreciate the way your balancing the secular celebration of Christmas with the real meaning for the season. It sounds like your children will grow up with a healthy understanding of Christ's birth, along with the joy that goes along with it. Good for you and your husband. Have a great Christmas.
Thanks, Linda, for the positive comment! I wasn't sure how this post would be received. I appreciate the support and wish you a very happy Christmas also.
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