Christmas

I grew up in the Church of Christ. I love my church family with all my heart. I have come to depend on them with each an every move, childbirth and tear. But, when I was grown up, Christmas was taboo at my church. You know, the Church of Christ are the "ones who don't celebrate Christmas". Well, that is not exactly true, but more on that in just a moment. When I was young, you didn't mention Christ during December. A song leader at the congregation could lead "Away in the Manger" in July, but lightening would strike if he lead it in December. I even remember a Sunday School teacher who taught the story of Jesus' birth in December and gave each child a tiny nativity scene to take home. They ended up having to leave that congregation from the fall out. That is so sad -- we were throwing baby Jesus out with the bathwater!

Thank God (literally), that most Church of Christ Christians have seen the err of their ways. We cannot promote "Jesus 365 Days per Year" and not mention him in December. That would be, well, 334 day per year. So, yes, we do celebrate Christ's birth, we just do it year round. Why do we, in the Church of Christ believe this way? We strive to model our worship service after the early church in the New Testament. This is also the explanation of why we have only acapella singing. The Bible does not command us to celebrate Christ's birthday. Christmas is not a command! So, put up your nativity scene. But, consider leaving it out all year!

My birthday was in October. For the first time in my life, I thought I was going to make it through the day without one person calling to say "Happy Birthday". As a matter of fact, if my sister-in-law, Tammy, had not left me a voicemail late that evening, that is exactly what would have happened. Don't get me wrong. My husband asked me earlier in the month what I wanted to do. I chose a date with him, and a day at the corn maze with the kids. But, the actual date was lost. I don't say this to make anyone feel bad, my parents, brothers and many dear friends acknowledged the day, just at other times. My point is that birthdays are very selfish days. Every time the phone rings, you think "Is that someone calling to wish me a happy day?" You live that day in expectation of surprises and acknowledgement that you are important.

Talon is five now. One of the most popular conversation with his friends is their birthday parties. What will the theme be? Who will have the most fun? What will I get? Me, me, me. That is what birthdays are. The only people who are really thinking of that day as honoring that person are the parents who where there at their birth (and really, we should be honoring them!). But, to the birthday "boy" it is all about what I get, and who will give it to me.

Talon is attending preschool at a Christian school this year. He loves it, and we love the Bible being a part of everything they do. I signed up to help with the Christmas party, knowing that most Christians do not believe the same as I do about not celebrating Christmas as Christ's birth. But, I support my son learning about the miraculous birth of our Lord, even at Christmas.

Where am I going with this? I do not feel comfortable with "Happy Birthday, Jesus" parties. I think they are irreverent and not respectful to who Jesus is. My point before was that birthdays are selfish days. Jesus is the least selfish person -- ever! Remember the WWJD bracelets? Well, WWJD? If he was on earth today, would he sit down, eat cake and accept gifts from us? Would he wear a party hat and blow a noise maker? Why not have a "Take Jesus to the Ballgame" fellowship. Or, "Take Jesus to Bunco" party? Don't get me wrong. I know that the parents who plan these activities are trying to help their children understand God and Jesus on their own level. But, what they are failing to teach them is that Jesus is not on our level. He is our Lord, Savior and the earthly form of our Heavenly Father. The writer of Hebrews says: "Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire."

So, WWJD? Jesus would probably give us gifts. Oh, he did give us a gift -- the best gift we will ever receive. But, if he were here, on earth with us, and it was his birthday, he would probably give to needy. Heal the sick. Teach us about his father.

Also, Jesus did give us instructions on how to remember him. The Lord's Supper was a final conversation with his faithful followers, and he gave them instructions of what to do "in remembrance of him". If he wanted us to have a party for him, he would have told us.

And, on your child's next birthday. Help them take the focus off of themselves for a moment. Bring out that nativity scene (if you put it away) and teach your child about Jesus' birthday and what his life and death means to us.