While there have been Christmas displays up in stores for months in some cases, and while most peoples' attention has already turned to buying gifts (anyone for Black Friday, Super Saturday, or Cyber Monday?), when is it appropriate to start with "Merry Christmas"?
(And don't get me started on the "Happy Holiday" thing. Anytime someone says that to me, they get a quick and enthusiastic "Merry Christmas" in return.)
Last night I attended the Festival of Trees with eight family members. It was beautiful and celebrative. Trees and lights were everywhere, of course. Carolers, Santa, live reindeer, and a special guest star singing Christmas music were all a part of the evening.
It was excellent. And it was the Eve of the First Sunday in Advent. Too early?
Maybe. In the church we try to preserve the character of Advent as a time of preparation--a time of getting ready to the point of wanting to burst with celebration on December 24 and 25. But my own home already features two Christmas trees, and whenever I hear a "merry Christmas" in the next weeks, I will smile and offer a like greeting in return.
Isn't it always Christmas after a fashion for Christians? We proclaim that Christ was, is, and is to come. That is as true in July as it is in December.
Too early? Or just right. Your call.
Merry Christmas. (I couldn't resist.)
Never too early to wish someone a Merry Christmas... as long as it is after Thanksgiving! We need to first give thanks for what the Lord has given us before we move on to Christmas. Jesus is the reason for the season but when we start commercializing it months in advance... that is not true Christmas. Your sermon stated that little Joey asked when was Jesus' birthday and when his mother said he was born on Christmas Joey replied... "What a coincidence that Jesus was born on Christmas"... lol. It is not the lights, the presents, the tree, the food... It is because of Jesus that we celebrate the true meaning of Christmas. Thank you for continuing to spread the GOOD NEWS this CHRISTMAS season.
ReplyDeleteShould say... Ron said on first comment not Tony???
ReplyDeleteWow--you listen carefully to the sermons, too! Thanks! We have the best news at Christmas. God's gift to the world in incomparable.
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