Tis The Season

It is the season of holiday cheer and it is filled with excitement and anticipation, colored lights and decorations, shopping, parties and most of all, a time for families to gather to celebrate not only the gift giving but also the true meaning of this special day.  Whether you attend an evening service on Christmas eve or an early morning service on Christmas day, it is one where we all come together and celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus.

A few years ago, I ran across a little article about the symbols of Christmas.  It has stuck with  me and when I decorate, I look at the colors and decorations and it comes back to me.  I'd like to share it with you.

CHRISTMAS SYMBOLISM

Evergreens - Everlasting Life

Wreaths - Christ's never ending Love

Candles - Christ, Light of the World

Straw - The simplicity of the Manger

COLORS

Red - Blood

White -Purity

Green- Everlasting Life

I think everyone gets into the spirit of the holiday with the brightly wrapped presents under the tree and the secrets passed around and of course the fun part of the season with Santa Claus.

When my two daughters were growing up, we always had the traditional Christmas with presents from Santa and hanging of the stockings in anticipation of his visit, but we also had one other thing.  Each year the Nativity set was placed in a special place with an open Bible in front of it open to the story of the Jesus birth.  We always tried to let them know it was Christmas and it was fun with Santa but the real meaning of the day was Jesus birthday.

I remember growing up myself knowing it was a two fold day and my mother used to bake a cake or maybe  cupcakes so we could celebrate his birthday.  I did for a few years but as the girls got older, we eliminated it and now I wish I had kept up the tradition.

In the times we live in now, the true meaning of Christmas is getting lost.  But at the same time, I see little deeds being done that is keeping the true meaning alive.  The red kettles and bell ringers are still here and I see people putting in change and bills.  Which means that they know giving is better than receiving, especially for those who are in need.  And these days, there are many who are in need.  I see people giving gifts to those who are in need, whether it be food, toys for the children or money to help their fellow man.  It is another symbol of this day - Giving.  Just as God gave us his son and the wise men gave him gifts, we give gifts to each other and to strangers in need.

I cringe when I hear "Happy Holidays" and shout back "Merry Christmas."  This is Christmas and we shouldn't try to hide it or disguise it.  December 25 is the recognized day to celebrate the birth of Jesus and it should be revered just as any religious holiday regardless of beliefs.  No one should condemn another because of the way they celebrate the day or what they call it.  Politically correct does not apply here.  Just as Christians do not condemn or belittle another because they do not celebrate the way we do or respect this day.  We are not here to judge once another but to respect and honor each other and at this time of the year, we should all be peaceful and loving and giving and not spiteful or disrespectful.

Since when did the Christmas tree change to a holiday tree?  It is the tree that is set up for Christmas and decorated with Christmas ornaments, so therefore it is a Christmas tree.  The same thing for lights, although I know some use the colored lights for decoration all year.  But for the special displays and lights, they are Christmas lights.  They reflect Christmas, not a holiday. 

To me, holiday is a day that is a special day, a day off from school or work but it should not be used generically.  Each holiday has a name and should be called by that name.  I've never heard anyone say Happy Holiday for Easter, 4th of July, Halloween, Memorial Day, Veteran's Day or Labor Day or even Thanksgiving.  So why should they refer to Christmas as "holiday"?  It may be but it should also be referred to by the name of the holiday, not as a generic term because someone is afraid they might offend someone.  That is showing the ignorance of the person saying it and also very disrespectful.    I wonder if they also refer to birthdays the same way.  It is time for everyone to stop being so politically correct and to use common sense but mainly to respect the rights and beliefs of others.

So to those of you who do not celebrate the way I do, Happy Hanukkah and Happy Kwanzaa.  To all my family and friends I wish you a Merry Christmas.