Balancing Act of Christmas

Posted by Patrick M | 0 comments

Advent Conspiracy implores us to – “Worship Fully-Spend Less-Give More-Love All.” The Knights of Columbus, among others, ask us to “Keep Christ in Christmas!” These days most churches spend much time and energy to remind their congregations to focus on the baby Jesus during Christmas. What’s all the fuss about? Why is everyone so worried about protecting the meaning of Christmas?

Well, take a look around. Stores have started decorating for Christmas the day after Halloween. Didn’t it used to be Thanksgivings that started the Christmas Season?  The news outlets cover how much money is made by retailers on Black Friday, which by the way isn’t the busiest shopping day of the year; that would be the two days before Christmas. And what about self-gifting? Just in case no one gets you that perfect gift, you should buy it for yourself. Really?  It does seem that we are becoming more focused on ourselves and less on Christ these days. Is this all because of our modern, American way of life? You know, The Great American Dream gone crazy.

But all is not lost. I’m not here to preach that the true meaning of Christmas is gone forever. This is also the time of year that people give millions to support charitable organizations that care for the needy among us. Children sing Christmas carols at the nursing homes and hopefully leave wanting to come back soon for another visit. Millions of presents are donated to Operation Christmas Child, Toys for Tots, Angel Tree and thousands of other organizations to give to those who can’t afford them. Many churches and charity organizations offer help for those who are alone during the holidays. This is all evidence of selfless, others-centered giving. So the true spirit of Christmas is alive and well.

So which is it? Is this the “Season of Self –Indulgence” or “the Season of Giving”?

It seems to be a struggle between the two. I’ve been aware of the struggle between these two perspectives on Christmas my whole life, but I’ve always imagined it to be a modern phenomenon.  However, while researching my latest e-book, My Favorite Christmas Tradition, I discovered something that surprised me. When reading about the first Nativity Scene, which was set up by St. Francis of Assisi in 1223, I was surprised by his motivation. The Nativity Scene was an attempt to emphasize worship of Christ over secular materialism and gift-giving during Christmas. Does that sound familiar? It seems this isn’t such a modern problem after all. It was a concern in the 13^th century! After this discovery caused me to think a little harder, I came to the conclusion that sole focus on ourselves has probably been a concern from the very beginning of the holiday.

On a larger scale, the problem goes right back to that fateful day in the garden for Adam and Eve. Ever since that first act of disobedience, we have been selfish beings at heart. It is only through God’s influence that we ever have the ability to focus on others. So now, I no longer see a slow decline of Christmas heading towards a completely secular holiday. I think, instead, of a balance between two perspectives. We will always struggle between focusing on ourselves and focusing on others. That’s why we need Christmas. The Christ child is the answer to this problem! He came to offer the ultimate selfless gift and die in our place. He then sent His Spirit to live within in us so we would be capable of selfless giving.

So this year, try as always to avoid the trap of a consumerism Christmas, but don’t let the existence of the trap discourage you. It’s always been there and always will be. Instead choose to focus your own life and that of your family on the true meaning of Christmas, the birth of the Savior, Jesus Christ. Merry Christmas.

Patrick Martin is a homeschooling father of two children, aged 12 and 15, and was the primary homeschooling parent until 2006. He has a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering (LSU) and a teaching certificate in secondary Mathematics (UW-Oshkosh). He currently tutors math, writes e-books for CurrClick, and is active in his church.  He can be contacted through his website www.getmathtools.com.  Patrick was joined by his wife, Catherine, in writing My Favorite Christmas Tradition.  Catherine worked for ten years as a family physician and is currently the primary homeschooling parent after having left the practice of medicine due to illness.  Catherine blogs at www.domesticadventure.blogspot.com.