Why Christmas Makes Me Sad

Yeah, Christmas makes me sad.  Don't get me wrong -- I am grateful that God came to Earth in the human form so that I might have a claim to divinity.  I'm grateful and I'm happy about that.  But c'mon, look at us.  Look at this country.  Look at this world. 

Here in the US, we don't want to even mention the name of Christmas, lest we offend someone who's not  Christian.  I still don't quite understand the logic behind that -- in a country where 70+% of the people have ties to Christianity, how have we gotten to a place where it's politically incorrect to acknowledge that religion?  I understand separating church and state, but why is "Merry Christmas" met with "Happy Holidays" on the subway?  It's like we are ashamed to acknowledge the birth of Jesus Christ.  And when we do that, don't we crucify Him all over again?

Here's something that was on someone's facebook page today:

Jesus: Santa.


Santa: Yes?

Jesus: I'm sad.

Santa: Why are you sad? It's Christmas right? It's your birthday!

Jesus: Yeah. That's the point

Santa: Why?

Jesus: Because whenever its Christmas the kids only wait for you and not me! They only celebrate Christmas because of you! Why Santa, why not Jesus? -Dec. 25 is for Jesus not for Santa. (Repost if You Believe in Jesus !) P.S He Knows You Looked ♥ -deny me in front your friends and I will deny you in front of my Father

But it's not even that that makes me sad.  It's the fact that we go on these mad shopping frenzies, we have all these parties, we do all this "stuff," and nothing changes.  We may go to church, we may sing a little "Joy to the World" or "The First Noel" or "Hark the Herald." but OUR LIVES DON'T CHANGE.  And I'm talking about myself as much as anyone else.

What's the point of Jesus having come into the world if something doesn't change?  What's the point of Him being born or dying if we don't change?  What's the point of going all out on December 25 if we're going to be the same on December 26? 

In the end, it seems sorta fake and pointless.  It seems like we're caught up in the celebration, but we've somehow forgotten the Guest of Honor.  In addition to being ironic, it makes us look silly and thoughtless.

So.  How do we change?  How do we usher in the Spirit of Christ during this Christmas season?  Another FB friend has a post that sort of hits the nail on the head:  "If you truly desire to honor God, honor God in acts of love, not "solely" in acts of piety. Piety is for the self, acts of love extend outward. Give to someone a drink, some food, help those in need. In doing that, you honor God."

If we want to honor Christ this Christmas, let's go OUT and show some CHRISTian love.  How do you react when you see that guy bumming change?  How do you react when you see that streetwalker?  How about the guy with his pants around his knees smoking that blunt?  How do you react to him?  What would Jesus Do?  More importantly, What Would Jesus Have ME Do?  That's how we show the Spirit of CHRISTmas, not just on December 25, but all year long.

And it's true.  Christmas usually begins for me when I give an anonymous present to a needy kid, or when I volunteer at a retirement home or a mental healthcare facility.  Lately, since my fulltime job is taking care of people who are homeless, sick, and/or have mental health issues, I've forgotten that this is what's really important.  I've forgotten that this is exactly what God has called and equipped and placed me here to do.  It doesn't matter what anyone else does or says; it's the love that needs to shine through. 

Lord, at this Christmastime, let me decrease and You increase.  Please allow me to put myself aside and recognize that YOU ARE the Reason for this Season.  And while it won't be an instant thing, perhaps my seasonal sadness will be replaced with the oil of gladness!

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The power of life and death is in the tongue.  Who'da thunk that, soon after that posting, I would have the opportunity to put it into action?  I was called to address an issue and in the midst of it, found myself reminded of what a great privilege it is to serve.  I hope I did some good; it certainly felt good.  There are folks out there with very real needs, and some of us, no matter how limited we may think our resources are, some of us are actually able to offer them help.  That's a privilege, one that makes me both happy and grateful.