What is Christmas really about?

Jo Princess-Warrior is on a little blogging break, but she re-posted an article she wrote last December that I couldn't agree with more.

I remember an argument I had with my father about this very subject.  I was eighteen years old, and he was insistent that my children would be taught his beliefs about Santa.  I thought he was being quite presumptuous about what my children would and/or would not be taught.

He was angry with me, and I was upset with him.  I could not make him understand it would be my decision not to lie to my children about Santa.  I wanted them to focus on the reason for the season and not the hyped up commercialization.  The hurt feelings and separation this created in our relationship wasn't worth it.

For God is not a God of disorder but of peace—as in all the congregations of the Lord’s people.  1 Corinthians 14:33

The real reason for the disagreement was my contempt for this man, my father, who walked out on us some years before.  He returned that year for reasons of his own, but I could not forgive him.  This disagreement opened the door for my self-righteous judgment of him.  I showed disrespect and animosity because of my pain.  I wanted to put him in his place, and put to rest any idea he may have had that he gave up his right to guide and direct me.  I was not willing to submit to my earthly father.

“Honor your father and mother”—which is the first commandment with a promise— “so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth."  Ephesians 6:2-3

Now the world would say I had every reason to not honor my father, but a follower of Christ knows better.  In that moment, that precious squandered moment, I had an opportunity to love like Christ.  To be an example of His grace.  Instead I hurt my father, and deeply

I never had the chance to apologize and ask forgiveness of my father.  I still believe in my convictions, Christmas is not about Santa, the tree, the true date of Christ's birth, or any other controversial issue some would like to make of it.  But Jesus is our Prince of Peace, and He came so we could have peace.

The holiday is about the ultimate gift given to mankind.  Jesus was the gift, and He came to us with a message.  It doesn't need to be crammed down anyone's throat, or argued about until feelings are irrevocably damaged.  Jesus is a gift to be accepted with free will.  As Christians we give glory to God by sharing His message in a peaceful, patient, kind, gentle, and most of all loving way.

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.  Isaiah 9:6

That is the what Christmas is all about.

photo credit: Alesa Dam