Wednesday, December 05, 2007
Q&A Wednesday
If December 25th rolled around, and you had no gifts to give anyone, and had none from anyone else, and there was neither a tree nor decorations, and no family members at all around you (immediate or extended) would you still celebrate Christ's birth that day? If so, how, but if not, why not?
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4 comments:
Interesting question. I think I'd have to still celebrate--because if I said I wouldn't, doesn't that mean Christmas to me is all about the trappings and not about Jesus' birth?
So I'd probably read good old Luke 2. I might sing some Christmas hymns. Maybe I would meditate on the gospel.
So then the question becomes...am I planning to do those things this year, when I DO have gifts and a tree and decorations and family--and if not, why not? Thanks for making me think :)
Yes! I too would read the Christmas story from the Bible, and probably sing some carols as well. You don't mention not having food, so if I had access to that, I'd make a big meal and invite someone (neighbors, etc.) over. Wouldn't matter if they weren't family.
Over the last several years and especially after becoming a mom, I've thought more about the celebration of Christmas. One thing that I would do even if presents/decorations/and even food were removed would be an advent devotional. I found a great one when I was single and working on staff w/ CCC at Towson. It is "Preparing for Jesus" by Walter Wangerin Jr. I still pull it out every year for my own personal devotional life during the month of December.
Honestly, I feel very inept as a gift giver. It's not a strength of mine, so when Christmas comes around and the gift giving feels a bit obligatory, that is difficult for me. I "freeze" in the same way for bdays. I'm much better giving gifts out of the blue, for no special reason when I happen upon something I know someone I love will love.
I must admit, though, I do LOVE the Christmas tree tradition. I do love and hold very dear going out to cut down a real tree...the decorating itself isn't a real thrill b/c I know I've got to take it all down and put it away. But, the tree hugger in me loves bringing the outdoors in for any season that calls for decorating my home. I would be sad to miss this aspect of Christmas.
I think that it is important, though, to set aside what Noel Piper calls, "especially days" where we impart to our children a sense of tradition that centers around Biblical events such as Christ's birth and resurrection. I found her book, "Treasuring God in our Traditions" incredibly helpful to me in thinking through how and why to go about celebrating holidays that have such a mix of commercialism/familialism (word?), and biblical remembrance in them.
I would definitely still celebrate...probably in the same way we do a family birthday...a special dinner, like someone else said - reading the story out of Luke - maybe still a cake & ice cream...the importance of remembrance is valuable, and I think it is part of God's heart - as demonstrated by the Jewish feasts...to make us take time to stop & remember.
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