The Crisis of Defining What Christmas Means.

Happy Holidays. Seasons Greetings. Happy Hanukkah. Happy Kwanza. Ho-Ho-Ho. Big Sale Today Only. The many languages of Christmas echo today! The message of Christmas has changed in recent years to an inclusive “anything goes” motif. The excuse is given that we are a free country and many come from other traditions. But, is this real true? If so, why it is that store merchant’s issue edicts restricting the use of Christ is the Holiday greetings by its employees. The social norms are changing.

What has happened to us that we have so secularized and commercialized this time of year that Santa Claus is more important than Christ in the Manger?

Employee parties are now called Seasonal Events. Holiday spirits now only refer to the open bars. Town parades are Winter Festivals. Nativities are removed. School parties are Mid-year Class Parties. Kids are encouraged to bring non-religious gifts.

Christmas is having an identity crisis. The real reason for our celebration is lost. We have become trapped in a land of the abyss! Now, I am not a Grinch or scrooge. I enjoy the fun in Santa and the heritage of Hanukkah. These traditions at least embrace a godly and biblical value of giving and goodwill.

The problem is that the definition of Christ in Bethlehem is lost. The society we live in is much like the Inn Keeper who made little sacrifice to welcome a needy pregnant woman. The Inn Keeper had no room!

A side from the reality that the Inn Keeper rejected our Savior, his business made no previsions for the poor or someone in crisis. Shame on this busy business owner! The least what he could have done was let them rest near his the fire.

Perhaps the real Grinch this Christmas are those, like the Inn Keeper, who have relished the materialistic commerce and profit and squeezed out anything of charity and goodwill! What has happened that the real meaning of Christ’s birth announcing His gift to the world has been re-defined? This year, even though the merchants don’t say “MERRY CHRISTMAS” I hope that I am willing to announce the good news of Christ’s birth to all. Just because my boss refuses to acknowledge the Reason for the Season, may I bring goodwill to all! Even though there was no room for Christ’s birth at the Inn, may I always welcome love and charity into my home! Who knows, we just might remember the real significance of Christmas!