I just finished watching “A Charlie Brown Christmas”. Seeing this Peanuts classic from the late Charles Shultz is a major tradition in my life. I saw it when it first ran on TV in the 60’s. I was only six years of age. I believe I have seen it most every year since then. I almost have it memorized yet its simplicity still touches me, still reminds me of the true meaning of Christmas.
Just like Lucy who is consumed with the piano player Schroeder, or Charlie Brown’s sister Sally who is consumed with what gifts she should get, or even Charlie Brown’s dog Snoopy who is consumed with a decoration contest (which he wins by the way) it is easy for us to lose focus at this time of year. Commercialism, if we are not careful, can crowd out all the love, joy, and peace Christ came to give us.
A major way to fight this crowding out effect is to establish meaningful Christmas traditions in our personal lives as well as in our families. These traditions can help us keep the main person, the Lord Jesus Christ, as the focal point of our Christmas celebration. May I be so bold as to suggest a few traditions worth starting.
The first tradition on the list should be Scripture. Reading or listening to the Scripture daily should be a priority during this Holiday season (also called Advent). Advent reading schedules are available at Church. These readings take us through the Old Testament prophecies of Christ up to His birth. These Scriptures may be familiar, but they never grow old. If you haven’t already, start a meaningful tradition, participate in daily Advent Bible reading or listening.
Another helpful tradition is service. Selfless, sacrificial acts which result in nothing being given back to us are a perfect way to celebrate the coming of the Christ Child (Operation Christmas Child, for example). Quietly and anonymously give a gift, financial or otherwise to someone in need. Cleaning someone’s yard or visiting someone who gets few visits from anyone else are other examples worth trying.
Perhaps a neglected but easily added tradition is singing. The singing of Christmas Carols was introduced in the Colonies (as we use to be called) to turn Christmas back into a spiritual holiday. Some Friday or Saturday night, turn off the television, invite your family and friends to gather around and let the songs “rip”. Mix Jingle Bells in with the classics like Silent Night and Joy to the World. Stay away from Handel’s Messiah and everyone will do just fine.
The greatest Christmas tradition any of us can do is to share. I am not talking about giving gifts. I am talking about speaking to others about Jesus. Sharing the message of Christ. The shepherds on that first Christmas who had heard the angels and experienced the Christ child “made widely known the saying which was told them” (Luke 2:17). Should we do any less than they? There is no better season than this to “Go tell it on the mountain”. Who in your life has not yet received the most important gift of Christmas, the Savior who is Christ the Lord? Leading someone to Christ, now that’s a Christmas tradition worth starting!
Finally, we should stand. Stand with those of like precious faith. Attend Christmas church services. Don’t let holiday shopping keep you from your church family. Encourage other believers in the neighborhood and at the workplace. Gather your family and friends together and in one accord give thanks to God for Jesus, God’s indescribable gift!
Merry Christmas!
Dave Watson
An Urban Christian
