Is Christmas an Indulgence?

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas.  Everywhere we go …. people are decorating, baking, shopping, wrapping.  With so much uncertainty and scarcity in the world, is Christmas an indulgence?

I believe, if left unchecked, Christmas can be an indulgence.  Like anything else, too much is ... well … too much.  However, the scriptures talk about times of celebration and the Christian calendar from antiquity has times of fasting and times of feasting.

Here are a few ideas that I keep in mind while celebrating Christmas:

• Regardless of the controversy regarding the date of Christ’s birth and the origin of the feast, Christmas is the “Mass of Christ” or “Celebration of Christ”.  For me this is what I embrace - the celebration of the incarnation.  What a joyous event!
• Family and friends are important.  God came near to us.  He became flesh and dwelt amongst us.  If this is a celebration of His work, then we should in like manner take this time to draw near to others and “dwell amongst them”.  Have a party and celebrate!
• Generosity of spirit is a key ingredient in this feast.  Much has been said about the over-commercialization of Christmas and much of it is true.  I do, however, believe that generosity is a spiritual discipline that should be intentionally practiced at certain times (just like fasting should be practiced at other times).  Generosity of course does not mean expensive gifts that we can’t afford, but generosity does require sacrifice.
• Peace and good will is a heart attitude to embrace at all times, but especially during this period when we celebrate the peace that Christ brings and the good will God has shown toward men.  Let’s look past the idiosyncrasies of those near and dear to us and make the holidays exactly that – holy days.

May this Christmas be a time of joy, peace, celebration and good will for you and your loved ones.Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will towards men.  – Luke 2:14