"Christmas Memories"

Preached by Rev. Ed Brouwer at The Gathering Place
Pulpit Series Volume 16 Issue 46 12/24/2006

When Pope Julius I authorized December 25 to be celebrated as the birthday of Jesus in A.D. 353, who would have ever thought that it would become what it is today.St. Boniface, the missionary who brought Christianity to Germany, added another nonbiblical custom to the celebration of Christmas -- the Christmas tree. As the story goes, Boniface was so eager to rid Germany of idolatry that on the eve of one winter solstice he cut down a sacred oak tree in the town of Geismar. This bold act infuriated the locals, who threatened to kill Boniface on the spot. In an attempt to pacify them and to save his own skin, he pointed to a small fir tree and said, "This little tree, a young child of the forest, shall be your holy tree this night. It is the wood of peace, for your houses are built of the fir. It is a sign of endless life, for its leaves are ever green. See how it points upward to heaven." St. Boniface was a fast talker.

When Professor Charles Follen, lit candles on the first Christmas tree in America in 1832, who would have ever thought that the decorations would become as elaborate as they are today. Unfortunately, not everyone sees the joy in Christmas.

Many years ago the Puritans thought they were ruining Christmas with all the pagan rituals. They especially objected to the fact that the holiday usually came on a week day, therefore distracting people, they thought, from the Lord's Day of Sunday.

But they did more than annually complain about it as we do.

They took action and got rid of Christmas altogether. In Puritan settlements across 17th century America a law was passed outlawing any and all celebration of Christmas.

The market place was ordered to stay open for business as though it were no special occasion and all violators were prosecuted. It was against the law to make plum pudding on December 25th. The Christmas celebration was not referred to as Yuletide but as fooltide.We may not be too comfortable with the commercialization of Christmas, but do we want to go that far? Do we really want to be rid of Christmas all together?

So what if North Americans spend over $40 billion annually on presents. Can you think of a better way of spending all that money than on gifts of love? Most of them are just that.

So what if all the lights and tinsel does create a fairy tale setting that soon disappears as does the so called “Christmas spirit”. At least, if only for a brief time, it lets us know what life could be like if we only try.

Behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which shall be for all generations. For unto you is born this day, in the city of David, a savior who is Christ the Lord.

I have many pleasant memories surrounding Christmas. As a young child in Holland I looked anxiously in my wooden shoes that I set out… a gift or a lump of coal.

The gifts we received were usually very simple and handmade. No wrapping paper or bows. Thankfully no batteries required. Gifts were not so expensive that you were still paying for them six months after the fact.

I mostly remember getting a Chocolate letter “E”, or some small amount of marzipan shaped like a piece of fruit.

I remember when people would say things like Merry Christmas to each other as they passed on the street. Everybody said, “merry Christmas” to each other. Hey merry Christmas to you Ed - and a Merry Christmas to you Billy Bob.

We all did it, even if folks disagreed with the religion behind it. It had to do with what we thought was valuable and good for everyone not just church folk.

But what do people say now in our politically correct climate? “Happy Holidays!, Season’s Best!”

We say Happy Holidays because we don’t want to say the word “Christmas”.

We are afraid of offending those who don’t believe in Christmas so we do what Herod of old couldn’t accomplish by killing all the children in Bethlehem and in all the coasts from two years and under.. we keep silent about the real result of this season, peace and goodwill to the world.

We thought putting the Christ back in Christmas meant that Christians would stop being so materialistic and focus on what the birth of Jesus meant for their lives. We never it would mean putting the word Christ back in junk mail circulars and forcing unsuspecting sales clerks to wish us a “Merry Christmas.”

We say happy holidays cause we don’t want to leave anybody out? Really? How come there are a ton of holidays throughout the year that nobody flips out about… no body ever says happy holidays in February do they?

They say what it is, Happy Valentines …OHH YOU BELIEVE IN LOVE?

But nobody wants to say Christmas... everything and anything else even Xmas, but not Christmas, why?

Because it has Christ in it and after 2000 years He’s still intimidating people.

You see when a religious person says, they know the way, people don’t want to hear it. They Don’t!

As a Christian I’m going to say merry Christmas cause it is.
You don’t believe in it fine, but I have a flash for you!

Christianity happens to be the religious heritage of my country whether you like it or not.

Listen - if you’re not a Christian or you don’t like Christmas. God Bless ya, but let me tell ya something if you think you are gonna stop me from saying it because it offends you hey I got a news flash for you. It’s my country too.

I went to Lordco to get Judi her Christmas present. When the guy at the counter said Happy Holidays I said thanks man I am pretty happy, but there’s only one holiday that makes me feel that way and its called Christmas!... what more can I say?

It’s about the birth of Christ and you can’t take that away.

The birth of Jesus is sacred to those who have been impacted by the meaning of his life.

You can call it something else, but that’s not what it will be its called Christmas with a capital C.

Just what are you celebrating this year?

A holiday? Or the birth of Christ the Savior?

One of the classic stories that is repeated each December is Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol.
The timeless character of Ebenezer Scrooge demonstrates selfishness, self-centeredness, and un-forgiveness. This originator of the "bah-humbug" was the perfect embodiment of sin. Whether we read this famous story in a leather bound first edition or we watch one of the numerous Hollywood versions, it is the timelessness of the tale that reminds us of our own need for repentance; it shows us the love and joy that follow true repentance.

Ultimately, Scrooge's repentance leads to rejoicing and a whole new awareness and understanding of himself and the world around him.

The Good News of Dickens' story is that Scrooge is guided to repent for his past and present cold and heartless behavior. After years in a selfish and miserly existence, a life absent of faith or friendship or love, his repentance brings forgiveness and he is able to love and once again rejoice in life.

Genuine repentance leads us to rejoicing. All too often we are so totally self-centered and self-absorbed that we shut God out of our lives altogether. Are you in the Christmas spirit?