You know, ever since I’ve been alive I think I’ve been a huge fan of the Christmas season.  I love pretty much everything about it!  Believe it or not, I actually enjoy the rush of Black Friday and standing in lines along with all the other crazies out there.  However, every year during this time, I tend to hear a lot about the unfortunate commercialization of Christmas.  So, I thought it would be appropriate to share my two cents worth on the subject.

When the discussion comes up on the commercialization of Christmas, most people are thinking of all the retail marketing leading to the mad rush to the local stores to stock up on Christmas presents.  No doubt, the task of getting everyone you know the exact Christmas gift they are looking for can be quite daunting.  Indeed, we can get very carried away with this particular task and focus much of our time and energy on making sure that anyone giving us a gift will receive a gift from us in return (not to mention making sure the gifts are equal in value).  This path inevitably leads most of us to spending large amounts of money during the holiday season year after year.

There is also no doubt that when talking about this subject, the issue of Santa Claus comes to light and let me tell you, there are some groups that really go after this guy every year.  The thing I find most humorous about this is that Santa Claus actually represents many of the principles we as Christians tend to support – kindness, love, generosity, etc.  Nonetheless, there are those who feel as though Santa can take away from the true meaning of Christmas which, of course, is Jesus Christ.  However, as I reflect on my own life, my mother allowed me to believe in Santa Claus and, in fact, in an effort to be honest with you, I’d have to say I still have a childlike affinity for the character – just ask my wife.  So, I would wake up each Christmas morning with many presents under the tree and in my stocking, some of which were labeled “From: Santa.” 

Now if the idea of Santa doesn’t trim your tree, just hold on.  My mother would also have my brother and I sing happy birthday to Jesus and read from Luke chapter two before any presents could be opened.  So, in my home, both figures were permitted but my brother and I were never tempted to take our faith out of Christ’s hands and place it in Santa’s….the sheer idea is absurd.  In fact, my wife and I have had some discussion on this and plan to continue this tradition in our own family some day.  In fact, you may be surprised to know that C.S. Lewis himself was so fond of Santa Claus that he gave him an important role in his book, “Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.”

Then the most unfortunate victim of this debate tends to be Christmas decorations…believe it or not.  I’ve met those that even choose not to put up a Christmas tree in retaliation against the commercialism of Christmas.  Really…does that even make sense?  While the origin of the Christmas tree can be debated, we as Christians clearly see this as a symbol to be used in recognition of Jesus’ birth.  Why else would we put something at the top of the tree to symbolize this event (i.e. star, angel, etc.)?

Ultimately, we could discuss even more aspects of the Christmas season that tend to be debated and attacked during this time of year but that could turn into a long list.  When it comes to the specific issue of the commercialization of Christmas, I offer advice on a relatively simple scale.  First of all, if you like to stand in those crazy lines like I do, then go for it!  But, while you are there, try to take an opportunity to talk with the people in line with you about what church they go to or what their beliefs are about the whole Christmas season anyway.  You may be surprised to hear their answer and even more surprised when some of these conversations turn into opportunities to share your faith.  Plus, remember that your giving of gifts is really an incredible example of the ultimate gift we have received from God…his Son Jesus Christ.  Secondly, cut Santa some slack and instead, talk to people about the principles and values we have in common with him but more importantly, that we believe in someone who is not only greater than Santa Claus but is actually real!  Thirdly, if you desire to spend some time on your roof putting up lights or in your house putting up a tree, then by all means decorate away!  While you’re doing it, remember why it is we decorate our trees and light up our homes.  Let your neighbors know about the light of Jesus Christ and how much it has radically changed your life!  Fill them in on the true meaning of Christmas and how they too can be a part of it.

In closing, I would like to simply encourage you by saying that I am praying for you as I’ve prayed for all those who read my articles.  My prayer for the next few weeks will be that you will have a wonderful and blessed Christmas season with your friends and family.  I pray that Christ makes himself known to you during this time and that you are keenly aware of His presence with you and love for you.  God has done an amazing thing for all of us which was to send His only son to essentially be born to die.  Take this time to express your thanks to God for this incredible gift.  It is truly the greatest gift anyone can ever be given and you can give it to others freely.  Ultimately, it is my prayer that you will share this wonderful gift with others during the holiday season.  You know, times are tough in our country right now, especially when it comes to the economy.  So many of us may be holding back on how much we spend this year which is understandable.  However, the gift of Jesus Christ is free and there is a limitless supply.  So, with that in mind, I say this to you – give much, give often and merry Christmas!