Halloween decorations went up for some in September. Christmas decorations in stores began around Halloween. The people who come and hang lights for people at Christmas are all over my neighborhood. I love It all. However, I refuse to forget Thanksgiving. I am trying to focus on being thankful as I write this instead of the chaos that surrounds Christmas.
However, Christmas dominates holidays. It is the one we focus on the most. I read an article the other day about a family that had immigrated to America and were of a non-Christian religion. They decided Christmas was a very American thing to do so they taught their children about the gifts, parties, and idea of Santa Claus. It was not a religious holiday for them but just a secular celebration.
We have made Christmas secular chaotic. Janie and I were in Bethlehem a couple weeks after Christmas ten years ago. The decorations around the nativity were still up. It was serene. There is a peace that surrounds the church of the Nativity. The shepherd’sfield isjust a stones’ throw from the church. They were out watching their flocks. It probably was cold; it does get cold in Jerusalem this time of year. The stars were shining. The night was clear [at least in my mind]. However, the town of Bethlehem was full of people because of the census that had been ordered. There really was no place in the inn. In the midst of this came the sound of a newborn baby crying. In the midst of the chaos of the census and the beauty of the creation, the world was changed.
I pray we can find Hope in the midst of Christmas chaos. I pray we can find love, joy and peace in the midst of chaos. I pray we can find Jesus who came to us to give us life and life more abundantly.
Blessings,
Your Pastor
Brad Humphrey