Is it just me or does Christmas start earlier and earlier each year? In the middle of October and most definitely at the end of October, there were already Christmas styled T.V. commercials and a small Christmas section in the stores. You would think that the recession would hold all this back a bit. But I think the stores have it in mind to make the public panic buy. Better get this now before I run out of money, my job goes or before VAT goes up! Then there is all the panic of what present to get whom, can I afford it and Aunt Bessie is coming over this year! She's so hard to please always nagging at everything!
What gets me is not only has Christmas become more and more commercial; everybody and anybody celebrates. Peoples from other religions or no religion celebrate Christmas without knowing or understanding the true meaning of why it is celebrated. Some people see this as a day to be with family, friends, stay home from work, be with the children, watch T.V., eat as much turkey as they can or have lots of new gadgets they really can do without.
The wonder and mystery of the Virgin birth somehow gets lost in the victorian figure of Father Christmas or in the US Santa Claus. All the tinsel and glitter, present opening and surprise visits from the strange bearded man in a red suit who comes down the chimney seems to create wonder and mystery instead. Hope and a loving Saviour gets sidelined by who has the most lights on their house, who has the best looking tree or spent the most during the Christmas season.
As the Advent season starts to approach, let's consider and prepare for Christmas this year by really engaging in the story of Christ's birth. Set on the journey with Mary and Joseph and see the true miracles, mystery and wonder. Once we have grasped this may our faith grow, our heart soften and our tongue confess what a wondrous time Christmas really is and give praise, adoration and thanksgiving to the One and True God who gave us such a precious gift; his Son Jesus Christ.
Have a wonderous and safe Advent and Christmas season.
God bless,
Shirley
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