Thoughts on the Season

I'm probably going to get a reputation as a "grinch" (or worse!) for my thoughts about Christmas, but many of the traditions and practices of the Church have been on my mind lately, and the way we celebrate Christmas is just one of those things which doesn't seem quite right to me.

When we consider the character and nature of Jesus -- his teachings on poverty and servanthood and simplicity -- a picture develops for me which doesn't line up with most of what is going on during the holidays. Yes, it is the one time of year when the media is looking for "good news" to report, so we do see and hear of wonderful examples of generosity and giving which are associated with this time of year: toy drives, bell-ringers, donations to food banks, etc. That spirit of generosity is awesome and one of the best things about the season.

However, one of my concerns is that we may feel as though we have fulfilled our giving needs with generosity at Christmas time to the extent we may not continue that giving beyond the holidays. With so many people in year-round need, we can't let Christmas be our only time of giving. (Society has also created much of the extra need we see at Christmas. . .regardless of socio-economic standing, we all feel pressure to "do it all" and "have it all" at Christmas. If there was less pressure on kids to go back to school with new clothes, bragging about all the new toys and games they got from Santa, there would be less "need" at Christmas.)

Another concern is how so many of us are stressed out with activities: decorating, entertaining, parties, events. I'm certainly not discouraging fun, but if there's no time to spend with the supposed guest of honor, maybe what we're doing is something other than celebrating the birthday of Jesus. And that's okay, but perhaps we should just call it for what it is and stop getting riled up about Jesus being "the reason for the season."

Many of you may know of the story of Mary and Martha. (see Luke 10:38-42) Martha was getting ready for a party (not a Christmas party, but a party to honor Jesus while he was visiting the Mary/Martha/Lazarus household), and she was "distracted with all her preparations" (can't you just imagine a modern-day Christmas party in the works?) while Mary was seated at the feet of Jesus listening to him teach. When Martha, no doubt as she breathlessly rushed by Jesus with a plate of cookies in her hand, complained about Mary not helping her, Jesus said, "Martha, Martha, you are worried and bothered about so many things; but only one thing is necessary, for Mary has chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from her."

That "good part" is what nudges the back of mind during the holidays. Are we substituting our own ideas about Christmas for what Jesus considers to be good and true and lasting? It's just something to consider. . .at Christmas and always.