A Christmas Pondering by Tracee Anne Loosle
There seems to be an all out war on Christmas. The media is having a hay day over some of the dialogues between government officials, reporters and everyday folks like us.
Last year the war I heard was over the roots of Christmas and then exposing why Christians should not celebrate Christmas. So it seems the politically correct, and even some religious people, do not want us to celebrate Christmas.
As I pondered this before the Lord, I heard the Lord speak to my heart that He has used Christmas to draw many to Himself. He took a holiday years ago and turned it to draw the people’s focus to Himself. Historically, Jesus was probably born around one of the Jewish fall feasts. Even so with Chanukah, which is the Festival of Lights, and Christmas falling in December the One Who is Life and Light comes to the front of many hearts and minds.
The green and red of Christmas started as a tradition in a church in England when they were sharing the story of Adam and Eve and the only trees green in the winter were the evergreen and red apples were put on it to decorate it. Therefore, red and green became Christmas colors as the parishioners of the church went home and decorated their trees likewise.
God used a man that many called St. Nicholas to reveal the great need to give to the poor. He was fulfilling what Jesus said to sell all you have and give to the poor. Sure, today’s Santa Claus rituals can be a bit out of control, but we can be like Christ as we reflect on His goodness and be secret Santa’s to those who have need.
Rather than be at war with the world over Christmas, let’s use this opportunity to love through giving and acts of kindness. Let us be the peacemakers and not the angry debaters. God’s love never fails.
Do not let kindness and truth leave you; Bind them around your neck, Write them on the tablet of your heart. Proverbs 3:3
Have a Blessed & Joyful Christmas and Chanukah season,
Tracee Anne Loosle
