Our Christmas traditions should include Jesus
Christmas traditions of most American families include trimming a tree, singing songs, spending money on things they don’t have to buy to show their appreciation of people they barely see, giving Santa Claus too much credit and eating large amounts of food at holiday parties all in the name of “good spirit and cheer” to produce warm, fuzzy feelings for themselves. While spending time with loved ones is important and people being nice is wonderful, the whole purpose of why Christmas was established is completely missed in the process. “Christmas” was established to recognize and honor the birth of Jesus Christ, the Son of God – hence, the reason the name of “Christ” is in “CHRISTmas”.
Anyone that is quietly or openly celebrating this “holiday” should take time to consider the reason behind it in order to fully participate and get any blessings from it. Christian parents have an obligation to teach their children the value of the sacrifice of Jesus and just how profound an event the birth of Jesus Christ truly was. The life of Jesus, His teachings, His example and His gift of eternal life are crucial in the life of a Believer and the world at large. Parents can begin instilling these values by having Christmas traditions of their own to share with their individual families.
Although it is well known that December 25th is not the actual day Jesus Christ was born, it is the day officially and internationally recognized to honor His birth. (Orthodox Christians celebrate on or near January 7th.) Instead of buying into the trap of commercialism or treating Santa Claus as if He is the messiah children should adore, Christian parents can spend the time up to and including Christmas detailing the events of Jesus’ life.
Some families have included the reading of a passage of Scripture such as Luke 2 in their yearly Christmas traditions. They begin by gathering their family together, having an elder or one of the younger family member read the Bible and pray a prayer of thanksgiving before continuing their day. Other families have begun to teach their children that getting presents is not the most important aspect of Christmas. In order to do that, they assist their children in figuring out how they can give a gift to Jesus since the birthday person is supposed to be the one receiving presents. Younger children like to do hands-on activities and sing or pray, so parents assist them in making cards (which, of course, are not mailed to Heaven) or making up a song for God. Regardless of what activities are chosen, the most important focus should be on celebrating who Jesus is and what He has done for us. Everything else is extra. When we get to the point of recognizing this and truly celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ, then we can wish each other Merry Christmas instead of happy holidays since it is so much more than just holidays.
