What Christmas REALLY Means

As we get closer to Christmas, let me be the first to tell you, "Merry Christmas!"

If you get offended when I say it, I apologize, but the last time I looked this was America and the idea of religious freedom is paramount to the birth of this country.

In other words...I say Christmas - you say holidays.

The real reason for this piece is to remind everyone of the REAL reason Christmas is celebrated. Not only here in America, but countries around the world. If you don't believe me, go to the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago. Christmas Around the World & Holidays of Light is an annual event and this year will be held from November 14, 2008 - January 4, 2009.

The day is a day for family, friends and fun as well as remembrances of a babe born of meager means that would be King of Kings and save the world.

Jesus Christ, the Son of God, came down from His heavenly throne to walk with men and women on earth. He could've stayed with His Father but instead He came and gave His life for people that would reject, deny and not believe on Him.

The debate continues as to the exact date of his birth. Some say, according to the stars, it was springtime when he was born, others say different, but one thing is agreed...HE WAS BORN.

The story goes...His parents, Mary and Joseph came to Jerusalem, running from Caesar Augustus who had ordered a census. Joseph was from Bethlehem, the place the Savior of the world would be born.

Mary and Joseph were poor.

Mary was a young girl - a mere teen, and Joseph was a carpenter.

As they arrived, Mary went into labor. Joseph tried to find a room for them in one of the local inns. All were filled to capacity because of the census.

The finally came upon an innkeeper who offered them stay in his barn. It was all he had. They took it as Mary would soon deliver.

No sooner than they did, Jesus was born. They laid him in a trough that was used as a watering hole for the animals in the barn. They placed a bed of straw to lay him on and used scraps of material to wrap his tender body in.

All about them were the animals of the barn: a cow, a horse, some chickens and others. The smell had to be atrocious, but they had no alternatives.

As the three of them settled in for the night, they had visitors. Three wise men from lands far away, each came bearing gifts. They had been told by an angel they would find the child called the King of the Jews.

They offered him expensive gifts of: gold, frankincense and myrrh. Mary and Joseph accepted them with gladness.

But the greatest gift this special child would receive would be a simple, humble song played on the drum of a small boy.

Okay, this never really happened. But doesn't it sound great.

A great man-child was more pleased with the simple gift of music, than with gifts of far more monetary value.

It goes to show...simple is best.

So where did the idea of exchanging so many gifts we go into hock each year come from? Who knows...

What is certain is that we have, as a society, gone mad!

We are currently facing financial issues that have all but shut us down. High unemployment that keeps rising, more and more banks and companies filing for bankruptcy, and even celebrities and those considered to be "wealthy" are facing foreclosures.

Many banks and lending institutions are not lending money for new home or car purchases. Utility companies are increasing the fees they charge for their products and prescriptions are costing more than some small apartments and many can't afford to get the medicines they need to survive.

But we must make sure that "little Johnny", who is all of six years old, gets the latest Playstation or Wii games systems. They only cost two to three hundred dollars each. Games and accessories NOT included.

Or, what of "darling Mary" who wants Barbie's newest dollhouse that costs upward of three hundred dollars.

And all either plays with the day they get it, is the box either comes in.

Maybe Mom wants a new fur coat ($2,500.00) or Dad the newest golf club set ($3,500.00)?

This is NOT what Christmas is about!

Come January, the bills for these gifts, long put away in some closet or stashed under the bed, begin flooding the mailbox. Notices of credit cards "max-ed out" and past due now haunt our minds as we begin to ask ourselves, "How will we ever pay this off?"

Can't afford to refinance, the rate's too high. Can't take out a loan, credit is bad because of last Christmas' debts.

None of this would have happened if we just remember the real and true reason for the season.

JESUS CHRIST and the gift HE gave us...SALVATION.

The opportunity to avoid eternity in hell and to spend it with He and God in heaven instead.

This year, let's listen to "the still small voice" that tells us, celebrate Jesus, and celebrate life, love and family.

Take the time to share your feelings with those close to you. You don't know when that may change. Don't wait until it's too late.

If you must exchange gifts, do as my friends and I do...make tem yourself or go to your local thrift store. Buying used toys is great, especially for smaller children. If they break, it won't matter.

For older children and adults, get jackets and sweaters. The thrift has a great inventory of used clothing and articles that anyone would, or should enjoy, as long as they are coming from the heart and not the wallet.

Spend the day sharing memories of Christmas-as-a-child. Tell your children stories of how you celebrated Christmas before electronics were the rave. Tell how you'd help grandma and ma in the kitchen, while the males watched football (that has never changed).

Look at pictures, watch movies...whatever you do, do it as a family and enjoy the moments. "Little Johnny" and "darling Mary" won't be this age again next year.

In conclusion, as the song says...

"Have yourself a merry little Christmas!"