The Changing and the Unchanging

The observance of Christmas has changed, but the meaning remains the same. It all started with the Wise men who followed a star to worship the new-born King, then “departed for their own country another way” (Matthew 2:12). Christmas celebration has been changing to “another way” ever since. I have child-hood memories of real trees decorated with strings of cranberries and popcorn; hanging egg-shells with the insides blown out and the outsides painted bright colors; incoming Christmas cards displayed all over the living room. In contrast, this year we’ll go see yards decorated with hundreds of lights, blinking in sync with music heard only from a specific frequency on the car radio. We’ll receive hundreds of Christmas greetings, but most will arrive via the Internet, only a few will arrive with a stamp on them. We’ll go to a Christmas Eve candlelight service, but will be told by some that real candles now present a fire hazard, thus no Silent Night by candle light. We’ll be reminded that the cost of the gifts mentioned in “The Twelve Days of Christmas” has increased another 6% over last year’s cost, now totaling in excess of $107,000. In the midst of changes, God remains the same, as does human nature. We will still give, because God gave. We will still worship the Christ-child, because He is worthy. Christmas observances change. Christmas meaning stays unchanged. Merry Christmas to all.

Join me this week in praying:
• “O come to us, abide with us, our Lord, Immanuel.”
• “Let earth receive her King.”
• “Peace on earth and good will toward men.”