Christmas in America has changed dramatically since our nation’s founding. When the Puritans first landed in America seeking religious freedom Christmas wasn’t even allowed. Why? For them, the celebration was just too worldly and frivolous.
In time, the celebration was brought back, and traditions developed, but it seems there has always been a call to “put Christ back in Christmas.” Every year I hear complaints that Christmas keeps becoming more secular and commercialized. While it may be safe to say “Merry Christmas” again, most people are still aware something is missing.
To find out what’s missing, we need to go back to before the founding of America, way back to Matthew 2:1-2.
After Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of King Herod, wise men from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star at its rising and have come to worship him.”
Worship was the primary purpose the wise men sought the baby Jesus. They didn’t know exactly which direction to go, but they followed the star by faith. They traveled hundreds of grueling miles by camel. When they arrived in Jerusalem, King Herod tried to deceive them. Yet they persisted. Why? Because they intensely desired to worship the Savior.
What is it that we most intensely desire? If our Christmas celebration isn't primarily about worshiping the King, then the most important thing is missing. The Puritans may have overreacted, but I think they understood something we forget. Christmas isn’t about us. It’s not about greetings, presents, decorations, or traditions. It’s about worship.
So let’s try to get back to “the good old days” a time when Christmas was mostly about an earnest desire to worship the Savior.
For His Glory,
Pastor Tim
P.S. Christmas Eve Worship starts at 5:30 pm, and worship Christmas Day begins at 10:00 am. See you there, Lord willing.
What a beautiful, and wonderful Christmas message!
No longer a baby…a crucified, risen, Savior, and coming King!
That is what I celebrate on this day and every day.
Wishing your family a blessed and joy filled day of remembrance, and a hopeful and peaceful 2023!