Last year, I was inspired to write down some of my holiday memories in a series of the same name. I really enjoyed writing them. They took me back in time to some of the most fun and wonderous episodes of my life. I wanted to revisit a few of them, but this year I am feeling more like sharing some thoughts about life as it relates to the holidays, past, present and future; family, fear, and faith. I will include some of last years memories, and a few new ones as well. I promise not to be be preachy because it is not who I want to be. These are my thoughts and are not meant to be forced on anyone or to be obnoxious. They are rather intended to be reflections of life and its blessings because of the gift of God. I would love your feedback, and I pray they are a blessing.
So to start...
Christmas or Xmas???
I don't recall when it was that I first saw "Xmas" in writing. Growing up, I certainly never heard it. I think it was around my twenties that I began seeing it on boxes and advertising and office memos. While I never got angry over it, I did take minor offence, although I didn't quite know why. Later I tried to figure out why our society decided to present "Christmas" as "Xmas". My best guess was that people were simply too lazy to type the whole word. Later on when I began to encounter many of different faiths, or none at all, it became about the refusal to acknowledge Jesus as the Christ. I now believe it is probably a combination of the two.
But why is it that only the word "Christmas" is truncated? I've never seen "Xmadan", or "Xnukkah", or even "Xoween", to get as far away from Christ as one possibly could. Framed in this light it very much seems like "Christ" is purposely being removed from the word, and not merely for convenience.
The next logical question (at least the way I see it), is why would a Christian type "Xmas"? I sometimes find it hard to believe any Christian would write it that way outside of convenience, although I have seen it in a few Christian homes. Believe me, I am not judging, and I would never accuse anyone, but I am curious. Frankly, I don't even know why at this point. I have been way less than a perfect Christian and yet, I still take exception to the term "Xmas". Maybe it is because of my internal spiritual machinery that remains connected to Christ, even when I feel disconnect at times. I suppose that when Christ has come in He stays in, and those who believe in Him want Him to be Christ even when they are failing to LIVE like He's is Christ. I know, it's a little confusing and yet, I think someone reading this might actually be able to relate to what I'm saying.
To me, keeping "Christ" in the word Christmas, is a key reminder that Jesus is the Christ, the Anointed, the Son of God. It isn't cliche for me to say that I think of His work every time I see the word "Christmas". And although I have spent more than my share of time in malls and stores and enjoy the festivities, the fact is for me, the season has never been about gifts, cards, and gatherings. Even through the blare of advertising and Christmas tunes, I am yet reminded of the meaning of Christmas and still find comfort.
In truth, the little child in me still likes to quote the Christmas story. In my mind I still see the little baby Jesus in a manger, Mary and Joseph nearby looking over their beautiful baby, with farm animals lowing and moving about. And even though history and science has cleared up a lot of the fantasy surrounding the story, in my heart the story has never been marred. It remains beautiful, powerful, and awesome. So I will end this note by adding that beautiful story I recited in church as a young boy...
Luke 2:1 - 7 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with Child. 2:6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling clothes, and laid Him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
Luke 2: 8 - 21 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the LORD came upon them, and the glory of the LORD shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, "Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the LORD. And this shall be a sign unto you; ye shall find the Babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger." And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men." And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into Heaven, the shepherds said one to another, "Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the LORD hath made known unto us." And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this Child. And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them. And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the Child, His Name was called JESUS, which was so named of the angel before He was conceived in the womb
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