The Other Side of Christmas

Thus saith the LORD, Learn not the way of the heathen, and be not dismayed at the signs of heaven; for the heathen are dismayed at them. For the customs of the people are vain: for one cutteth a tree out of the forest, the work of the hands of the workman, with the axe. They deck it with silver and with gold; they fasten it with nails and with hammers, that it move not. They are upright as the palm tree, but speak not: they must needs be borne, because they cannot go. Be not afraid of them; for they cannot do evil, neither also is it in them to do good. Jer 10:2-5

Christmas has long been at the center of a struggle between Christians and non-Christians around the world. In the eighteenth century, a German protestant argued that the “paganization” of Christmas debased the true church of Jesus Christ. In recent years, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has filed several court cases against local and state governments because of their use of a nativity scene as part of a public display. The ACLU claim alleges that this represents a violation of the U. S. Constitutional amendment that is often interpreted as “separation of church and state”. This is a centuries old struggle that continues even today.

There are industries entirely dependent upon the Christmas season for their existence; examples of these are Christmas tree farms and Christmas greeting cards. Yet, Christmas day is the most inactive day of the year for commercial, public, and private businesses in most Western countries. It has been estimated that one out of every four dollars of personal spending takes place during the Christmas season that typically begins about a month before the actual day. It seems as though most banking institutions have specialized accounts designed to assist individuals with saving money year-round just to be spent during the Christmas season. Many retail businesses record more revenue during those four weeks than the other forty eight weeks combined. So how should we as Christians look at this situation and what does it mean to our own celebrations? I believe the proper way to assess this is to first understand something about the other side of Christmas. If we consider the passage from the prophet Jeremiah, it will lend some understanding to the longstanding traditions that surround the other side of Christmas. Jeremiah recorded this passage about six hundred years before the birth of Christ. The passage refers to a pagan religious practice.


I. Signs in the Heavens
A. They are Observable
B. They should not be Feared
C. Many associate this with the Winter Solstice ( around December 22nd)

II. A Tree is Cut out of the Forest
A. It is Decorated with Silver and Gold
B. It is fastened in an Upright Position
C. The Heathens worship the Tree
i. Although It cannot Speak
ii. Although It cannot Move
iii. It can do neither Good nor Evil


Much of the description of the tree sounds like a Christmas tree. Its origin, decoration, and manner of mounting sound strangely similar to a Christmas tree. However, there is a distinction to be made. The Christmas tree is not set up and adorned to be worshiped. The Christmas tree is used as part of the overall decorations for the Christmas season. There is much parallelism that exists between the pagan holiday and the Christian holy day. They have Santa Claus and we have Jehovah. Santa Claus gives according to a list that is based on whether one has been naughty or nice. Jehovah says “Come unto me, all ye who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Santa Claus promises to bring joy one day out of the year but Jehovah gives joy that can never be taken away. It is said that Santa Claus employs elves at the North Pole to build toys. Jehovah spoke and created everything there is in the universe—which would include the elves if they existed. While Christians remember the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, let us be mindful to know the difference between the holiday and the holy day and not confuse the two. As we celebrate the holiday, let us do so as Christians and remember that only God is to be worshiped and we should only look to God and not some unseen benefactor who slips into houses at nighttime. In the midst of our giving and receiving of gifts, don’t forget the greatest gift of all. For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son that whosoever believes in him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God sent not his son into the world to condemn the world but that the world through him might be saved.


Robert C. Hudson
December 20, 2009

Anticipation

And when the hour was come, he sat down, and the twelve apostles with him. And he said unto them, With desire I have desired to eat this passover with you before I suffer: For I say unto you, I will not any more eat thereof, until it be fulfilled in the kingdom of God. Luke 22:14-16 (KJV)

All four writers of the gospel as well as the apostle Paul wrote about some of the events that took place during the evening that Jesus shared his last Passover observance with his apostles. One has to piece together the different events from the different accounts in order to get a clearer picture of the order of events on that evening. The gathering of Jesus and the twelve was an expected event since all of Israel was required to observe this first holy day of the Jewish new year. What was not expected was that Jesus would prophesy concerning the future fulfillment of this meal even though the meal itself served as a reminder to Israel of the past fulfillment of it. The celebration of the past fulfillment was a celebration of the miraculous deliverance of the descendants of Jacob (Israel) from Egyptian bondage. This meal celebrated Israel’s birth as an independent and sovereign nation. The future fulfillment Jesus spoke of will culminate in the final deliverance of all children of faith from spiritual bondage into God’s eternal kingdom. The apostles were celebrating the annual Passover with Jesus for what is believed to be the third time assuming that Jesus’ earthly ministry lasted three to three and half years. Jesus informed them that this would also be the last and he had desired greatly to share it with them. All twelve of the apostles, including Judas, came to this Passover meal.


I. The Passover Meal
A. An Annual Reminder of Their Beginnings
B. Jesus’ Desire to share with His Apostles
C. Anticipating the Fulfillment

II. Dismissal of Judas
A. Jesus was Aware of Judas’ Plot
B. Jesus would later call Judas Friend
C. Judas would not Share at the Lord’s Supper

III. Problems at the Table
A. The Eleven still had Issues even with Judas Absent
B. Jesus responded by Washing Their Feet
C. Jesus saw beyond Their Present Faults

Jesus’ anticipation of sharing this meal with his group of yet unconverted followers, including one devil, serves as a reminder that we too are to show patience towards others. It was for his apostles as well as others including us that he was about to give his life. In spite of their shortcomings, Jesus foresaw the day when they (except Judas) would be totally delivered and he celebrated with them in anticipation of that deliverance.

As we celebrate the Lord’s Supper, we should come to the table remembering the deliverance that Jesus has secured for us. First, we should think of our community and what our fore-parents were delivered from. Many of them suffered in faith believing that God would make a way for their offspring in the distant future. Today, we live out the answers to their prayers without always being grateful. We seem to trample over our blessings as though they have no value. Nevertheless we must also be reminded that it’s all about Jesus. Material or physical blessings are good but the spiritual blessings far outweigh them. We should come to the table anticipating the future marriage supper of the Lamb and his bride, the church. We should come in anticipation of his return for the church to usher us into eternal life in his presence.

Robert C. Hudson
December 6, 2009