The Contradictory Celebration of Christmas

Something interesting occurred

Santa taken from
http://bestclipartblog.com/18-santa-claus-clip-art.html

to me while I was having a little bit of a panic attack: the "war on Christmas" is beyond foolish.

Now, before people misunderstand what I mean, I'm not saying that people don't have a right to their own religious views, and to even get upset when they are bombarded with religious material (I feel much the same from time to time); but here's the catch...

The current celebration isn't recognizable as religious at all.

"But wait, we give people gifts because the Magi gave Jesus gifts."  Or, "We give gifts because Jesus was the gift to the world."

Yes, yes.  I've heard these before.  But there's a weird sort of problem with the current practice of gift giving--we go and splurge on family and friends yet conveniently forget those in need.  We tend to follow a set list and getting what people want us to get, rather than getting gifts from the goodness of our heart and knowing what people need, not just what they want.

Jesus was the gift to world, a much needed gift of salvation and hope in a world of severe need.  So why buy gifts of want, rather than need?  Why splurge on those who have much, yet be so stingy for those in need?

On this same note, something odd happened this year.  Each year I like to fill up a Toys-for-Tots box and do an angel or two from an Angel Tree.  This was the first year I've been around when someone receiving Angel Tree gifts chews out the giver because the receiver already opened the presents before Christmas and discovered there was no receipt so that the gifts could be returned.  Odd.

Which lead me to my realization.  Since Christmas is supposed to be a Christian Holiday, it seems even the Christians have lost the spirit of the holiday thinking they're honoring God, but in fact have gotten caught up in the hype.  This is the holiday to celebrate the Prince of Peace -- so why is there so much panic in the malls?  What' with the rush for a good deal?  Will God not provide?

Just a quick random thought out there.  Quite an interesting path to follow I think while I spend this season searching for magic still and in a few short hours I will be lighting a candle over the dinner table and saying prayers.

Needless to say, this is a great place to start a discussion.

Magic? In the Air?

From my own backyard.

When the first hint smoke hits the air, my imagination seems to light up with silly dreams and, probably even sillier, hopes.

It's really hard for me to pin point what it is about this season, but somewhere inside of me a sort of need to seek out magic.

It's the scent of smoke in the air, the chill on the wind, the steam of breath, and the ice framing our windows when we look out.  Somewhere in all of this, a season of night and light, there is magic to be found.

Often enough, my sentiment is compared to the jolly ol' fat man, Santa Claus, and the fact that his sleigh is magical and his trips are magical and therefore I'm seeking that magic.  Yeah, that's not it, though I do believe in Santa Clause, not as a jolly ol' elf who brings gifts for us down our chimney.  I believe in the spirits he represents: Kindness, Generosity, Sacrifice.  Therefore, as long as these spirits still roam our realm, I do believe in Santa Claus-- me and Francis P. Church.

But that isn't the sense of magic I'm talking about.  I'm talking about a sense of wonder that captivates us.  The joy found in huffing out a breath of steam.  the fun that comes with dancing in the snow.  the sense of comfort from the fire, and the awe of ice crystals circling the moon.

Though, I know this magic doesn't fill everyone's life, but I'm beginning to think I understand why.  But this would be a good time to ponder ourselves, is it just the day that brings wonder?  Are presents all that matter on this holiday?  Or have we made it all up in our minds?

But then, if it is all made up in our minds, then the magic would be real since we can make our own magic of sorts.  We can be the change we want.