the Show: Winter, Holiday, or Christmas

It is the last Sunday before Christmas. For many churches it was the last opportunity to present their Winter, Holiday, or Christmas "show". They have spent a great amount of time and money in practice, props, costumes, lighting, and sound ... some even charged for the show (to help cover some the expenses). Many of these shows were "sugar-coated" with some scripture or principal from the Bible. Many of these churches had this "show" as their big project for the "Christmas season", yet neglected to allocate time and money to reach out to the world that does not know that Christmas is a time to remember God's ultimate gift .... Jesus, here on Earth!

I am in agreement with Ebeneezer Scrooge, "Christmas Bah Humbug", (from Charles Dickens "Christmas Carol"). The new definition of Christmas has contaminated our churches in North America. Today I chose to stay home, no church attendance for me, thank you. Instead, I spent time playing Christmas carols and a couple of other faith songs on my guitar ... remembering what the "Christmas Season" should be about.

I remember a time in my youth where the church I attended held a Christmas program, on Christmas Eve.  The focus was Jesus.  There was a small play presenting the coming of Jesus through Joseph, Mary, the Shepherds, Angels, Wise-men, and even King Herod!  We had songs that also spoke about Jesus and we sung them together.  We also had some special presentation of music through a choir or instrumentals.  We had a time of exchanging Christmas cards with other church members, and maybe a small gift or two for those that were closer to one's heart.  We also took moments of time to pray and thank God for His gift of Jesus.  There was also a time in the service where we all met in the fellowship-hall and shared food that people had brought in from their homes ... perhaps something they had picked-up at a store to share with others.  It has been many years since I have witnessed such an event at a church gathering.

Now a days, I morn for the many self-professed "Christians" who have been swayed into the corruption of the post-modern church. Many of them have been my brothers and sisters in Jesus; some even friends.  I can do no more than to pray for them and hope that Jesus will touch their heart and direct them, through His Spirit, to the true "Christmas Season". For what is left of the Christmas season, let us leave ourselves in our closest and both put on the fruits of the Spirit and the love of God. Let us share it with the rest of the world too; "Joy to the World, The Lord is Come, Let Earth receive her King"!