This is the largest part of the year for gift giving and fellowship. However, some of the things that this season holds are good, bad, and in between. To many people and nations, this is a Christian thing and is not for them, not their normal way. Let us forget about Santa Claus and just focus on the spiritual portion of this.

               There are some religious areas that do not celebrate the birth of Christ because it is not part of their religion. Okay, well and good. I’ll leave it at that. The rest of the world that celebrate the birth of Christ is leaning away from what the season originally stands for. They know what the season is, but they really do not act the way they should.

               When I was a kid Christmas ads and decorations were not seen until after Thanksgiving. Things have changed and I have frequently been told that I should change with the times. I don’t know about that, but I do remember that I almost got fired because of that. When I was a radio DJ, I had special programs that aired, and I never played Christmas music until after Thanksgiving. My program manager told me to play some Christmas music a week before Thanksgiving and I refused. My refusal went all the way to the top and I won. It was my program and although the station was playing Christmas music I did not until I wanted to, if ever.

               It seems as though it is all about commercialism and the earlier they start the ads the more money they make. Religion is out of the equation and making money is in. When I was a kid Jesus in a manger was everywhere. Not today. You will see Santa, toys, lights, etc. and rarely Jesus in the manger. There are office parties, celebrations all over town, house parties, etc. Where are the religious celebrations? When I was a kid my family had the Christmas tree, presents, but we were in church every Christmas and New Year’s Eve (called Watch Night). I not only heard the Christmas story in church, but it was also told in school. Santa was not displayed everywhere but what was shown was the Three Wisemen, the star, the manger with Jesus, and everything else that was a religious Christmas.

               Now that this hardcore outward display of a religious Christmas cannot be shown in schools there is nothing unless you want to praise Macy’s, all other stores, and Santa. This is not the reason for the season. The birth of Christ is. The reason for the season allows us to remember that God gave His only begotten Son to all of us, not the commercial items on display before us each day, all day. I wish there was some way to get people back in church to really see the reason for the season.

               I know this blog is before Christmas, but I still will say Merry Christmas, not happy holidays, or merry Xmas but Merry Christmas to all. This is the reason for the season.