For years it never occurred to me that X-mas felt wrong. As time went on and our family focused more on Christ during this season, something felt off. All the sudden I realized that by writing X-mas, I was removing Christ from Christmas. As is said in “Everybody Loves Raymond”, we are literally crossing out the birthday boy.
Growing up, my family was not religious at all. If I went to church, I went with friends. Through some great examples, I was brought to a knowledge of Christ and his sacrifice. But Christmas was always focused around the gifts, lights, decorated trees, and family.
When Ashley and I got married, Christmas was still focused on gifts and worldly things. There were some thoughts to Christ, but certainly not what there should have been.
We all get older and hopefully a little wiser.
Soon enough it was time to have the ‘Santa talk’ with our oldest. It was then that we decided that maybe instead of leading our children on with imaginary characters we should be leading them with Christ.
When we choose to make Christ the center of our lives, we get the loving guidance to tackle any problem. No, centering on Christ won’t make our life instantly perfect. And there will no doubt be trials to bear. But Christ helps pick up that yoke. I don’t see Santa on the other side of the yoke with me.
Gifts are nice, and something we still do. Most of my family is still not religious. The focus on the season is what joy the lights and such can bring (for most it’s not about the gifts). While Christ is not center, the gratitude shows. The Christmas Spirit in a worldly feel.
Yet as followers of Christ, we can do even better. We can spread the true meaning of Christ and Christmas in our words and actions.
Yes, we can still do worldly things and enjoy the lights, trees and cheer. We even still watch all the classic movies. It’s less about the fun of Rudolph and Santa coming as it is about time spent together and childhood memories. And some of my personal favorites have nothing to do with Santa, for example “Emmet Otter’s Jug Band Christmas”.
Bringing Christ to the center of your life in this season and always can do nothing but improve your lives. Even in the tough times which we fear the world is heading towards faster and faster.
Make it a simple tradition to thank Christ for his sacrifice on the day of his birth. Before the gifts, join in family prayer and each pass along to our Heavenly Father a bit of gratitude for the gifts he has given you. We want to wish you a Merry Christmas. And no matter if your focus is Santa or Christ, I hope that you can find peace & joy in the season.