For a story with such humble
beginnings — a young couple, a newborn and a stable — we sure have piled on the
glitz. Seemingly unsatisfied with the sparkles brought to the Christ child by the
angels and kings, we’ve added in Santa, reindeer, presents, elves (indeed the
entire North Pole), Christmas trees, stockings, cookies, candy, spectacularly
lit houses and streetscapes, carols and hot buttered rum. And new this year,
the dispute between “Happy Holidays” and “Merry Christmas.” It’s a lot for one
babe’s birthday celebration. How would our Savior comment on the phenomenon we
know as modern day Christmas?
Let’s ask
Him.
What are Your thoughts on Santa?
Santa’s
got guts. Sneaking into strangers’ houses to give them gifts — what an example
of brave Christianity. This Christmas, sneak into someone’s life and leave them
a gift without waiting for one in return. Think of what our world would be like
if everyone were as sharing as Santa.
What do You have to say about the 12 Days of Christmas?
Twelve
days? The reason I was born, the reason I came into the world, was so that we
would have 365 days of Christmas. 365 days of love. Of peace. Of joy. Twelve is
not enough. Work for more.
Could You comment on the elves?
Elves set a
great example for the rest of humanity. Work hard. It doesn’t matter if you’re
short, or if your ears are too big, or if your feet are too long, or if you
live in a location that’s less than desirable. Work hard at everything you do.
And while you’re working, sing.
Do you know Frosty? What do you think?
Frosty is
great. He’s not afraid to melt. You can’t live your life in fear of melting.
You can’t be afraid of the heat. So get out there, and live the way you are
called to live. Find yourself a magic hat and go make friends with all the
townspeople you can. It’s worth the risk of melting.
What about the Grinch?
The Grinch
reminds me of a lot of the leaders I knew back in my days of teaching. But the
Grinch could not stop Christmas from coming. He took the presents, the
decorations, even the roast beast, but it came anyway. Let the Grinch be a
reminder to all that nothing can stop Me from entering the world. For I am
Love.
Decorations?
Make sure
you spend as much time getting your soul ready for Christmas as you spend
getting your house ready. Make sure the Light inside your heart is just as
bright as the ones on your bushes.
And what about Rudolph?
Think of
where we would be if Rudolph had decided to change the color of his nose so he
would look like all the other reindeer. God gave Rudolph that red nose. How
wonderful it is that he is not ashamed of it. He lets it shine. He leads the
way. He uses his nose to serve the world. Everyone has the equivalent of
Rudolph’s nose somewhere in his or her being. Find what you have. Share it.
Most importantly, “Happy Holidays” or “Merry Christmas”?
Does it
matter? I gave you the jobs to do. I made it clear. Feed the hungry. Give drink
to the thirsty. Clothe the naked. Welcome the stranger. Visit the sick and
imprisoned. Worry less about what you say and more about what you do. Get so
busy doing My work that you don’t have time to get into debates about two-word
phrases. Let your life’s work show your beliefs. St. Francis of Assisi said it
well: “Preach the Gospel at all times, and if necessary, use words.”
