What's Important this Christmas?

This image was posted on Facebook by a friend of mine, so unfortunately I cannot give credit for its source. However, as it speaks so clearly of what we need to keep in mind as we get into the "Christmas spirit", I'm not going to elaborate too much here.

Don't get me wrong - I'm just as guilty for getting caught up in buying gifts for everyone. After all, this is the time of year we really want to show those we love how much they mean to us. Just remember, it's not the 'what' it's the 'why' - and to some the best gift they could receive on Christmas (or any other day for that matter) is a slice of bread!

Something to keep in mind as you head for the stores!

Christmas - and again, Christmas vs Xmas?

It's only October and for the past month the stores have already been reminding us that Christmas is on its way.

Here is my 'annual reminder' - my thoughts on the ever-increasing commercial use of a word... an observation regarding Christmas that has become very clear to me over the years, and to which I have become rather sensitive.

It is this: Do you “celebrate Christmas”, or do you “Celebrate Xmas”? It doesn’t require much thinking to get my point here. Writing the word “Xmas” may seem like an abbreviation, but look at it again. “Christ” has been crossed out! This is indicative of how many people go about the ritual of this should-be holy celebration. Many exchange gifts, enjoy the feast and holiday while ignoring the fundamental reason for there being a celebration in the first place. Many don’t even acknowledge Christ, yet get caught up in the excitement and festive atmosphere. Shop owners exploit the season and one is left wondering whether Christmas has now become merely another commercial marketing gimmick. However, it’s not my place to go on about this issue – but please remember that the whole reason for Christmas was the birth of a Savior over 2000 years ago. Please acknowledge that. A good start could be by writing “Happy Christmas” instead of “happy xmas”. It really doesn’t take that much more effort to write the word out in full!

Now, having had my say, let’s get into the mood of the season: Goodwill and Cheer to All Men!

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Celebrating Christmas in July

Or as it is sometimes referred to, “Middle-mas”

Christmas in July is becoming more and more popular, particularly in the Southern Hemisphere. In many places it has become a month-long celebration.

Although the origins and reasons for this celebration are not clear, a simple observation is that it probably came about because of, believe it or not, the food and the weather!

Christmas traditional fare consists of hearty hot meals, sitting alongside crackling log fires and eating roasted nuts with gentle snow falling outside. Well, in the Southern Hemisphere this absolutely doesn’t happen! In many countries down South, the weather is so hot in December that the thought of spending any time in the kitchen over a hot stove, and then sitting down to eat a hearty meal is a complete turn-off.

Many people have moved away from the old tradition and a new one is emerging with many delicious, cooler alternatives such as cold turkey and salad becoming the norm.
However, there is still nothing better than a real traditional Christmas dinner. And so the idea of preparing the dinner at the time of the cooler weather was born. This isn’t really a bad idea, as it is a good way to raise the spirits in the middle of winter when everyone’s feeling dull and gloomy. Good festive cheer is a good way to brighten the winter season and warm the heart.

Speaking of which, many people in the Northern Hemisphere have also begun this relatively new tradition as it is a great way to break up the year and rekindle the high spirits associated with Christmas cheer.

I actually know of a few people who celebrate Christmas in July particularly for exchanging gifts. We all know how expensive the December festive season can be. These people exchange very small token gifts in December and save the big spend for July, when all other expenses are at a minimum.

One thing to remember though is that Jesus is still the ultimate reason for celebrating Christmas. So, when you’re stuffing the turkey, and then later your face, give Him a thought amid your festivities. Christmas may be the time we celebrate Jesus’ birth, but any day is a good time to celebrate Him and to be thankful for the ultimate sacrifice He made for us.