Redeeming Christmas

This year is different. My heart is heavy coming into this holiday season. I'm struggling to find joy in all of the upcoming gatherings and festivities. I find myself actually even dreading some of them. (Gasp!) I'm disgusted at the thought of things like Santa Clause, Elf on the Shelf, and other silly holiday traditions. I know that sounds horrible, but it's the truth. Why the 180 degree attitude change you ask? Well after some thought and processing, I think I know why.

It's not "Christmas".

It's our culture's version of a holiday season. And it has absolutely nothing to do with the real reason there was a celebration to begin with during this time of year. Nothing. At. All.

These things aren't inherently bad! In fact, a lot of things that are done this time of year can produce unity, fun traditions, and happy memories. But the unity fades, traditions are put away until next year, and the memories are stored away for another time and sometimes even lost. Then it's back to life as usual. Tell me, where is the true lasting joy in that?? Where is the Gospel?? Is the purpose of this time of year just for that?? That seems....empty. We've lost sight of why we celebrate during this season.

So I'm fighting back. I'm redeeming Christmas. I'm not saying we won't do our own traditions and even participate in holiday things, but the real emphasis will be put on the Advent season in our household. When I ponder about what God must think of how we celebrate this time of year, that makes me rethink things.

Christmas & Advent are about Christ.

Maybe it's because our world is at a state of unrest. Or maybe it's because God is really pressing this on my heart. Whatever the reason is, I feel the need to change things. As Christians, EVERYTHING we do should point back to Christ. He is THE reason we exist and have any reason at all to hope! The work on the cross should COMPEL us to do things that bring Him glory! ESPECIALLY when we gather as a church body, our intentions should be to unite together in Him and to remind each other of the incredible gift we've been given. Always.

I'm disappointed to see the lack of Advent celebration in our churches and homes. This is supposed to be a time dedicated to celebrating the birth of Christ AND looking forward to His return. When I think about that, it makes me rethink how we do things around here.

Now I'm not saying that we won't watch the fun movies, drink hot cocoa, and do some of our "secular" traditions. We will do that :) But, this year, our biggest focus is our Jesse tree, Advent celebration, and pointing it all back to Christ. I want my children to immediately think of the real reason for this season whenever they hear anything referring to it. I'm not being Scrooge, nor am I being judgmental about what anyone else chooses to do at their home. Please don't misunderstand. This "rant" was simply a depiction of my own "wake-up call" for our family. God is molding and teaching my heart to live a gospel-centered life (and it's often an ugly realization of self but also a transforming realization of grace!). This is just to share what He's been pressing on me. Will I do this perfectly? Definitely not. But that doesn't discourage me. It's simply an opportunity to receive God's grace and show it to others.

I hope and pray that this Christmas season will point your heart to the real reason we celebrate. And it's a year-round celebration! Christ isn't just for Christmas. He's for eternity! May your hearts be full of true joy from the only one who can give it! Blessings :)