I like your question about prostituting Christmas. I think you’re right — there’s a way that the church can commercialize Christmas in the same way department stores do.

Robert,

Thanks for sharing. I appreciate your convictions and courage to go against the grain.

I do wonder, however: has your family stopped celebrating birthdays, too? I know Hollie makes some awesome cakes.

I ask because the principle behind the two occasions – Christmas and birthdays – is somewhat similar. On both occasions you take time out to give gifts, appreciate the one who was born, etc.

Does throwing a birthday party mean that you’re not thankful for the birthday boy/girl every other day of the year? Certainly not. A birthday party is only a special way of celebrating the one you’re thankful for every other day of the year.

Similarly, celebrating the birth of Christ / giving gifts at a special time of the year does not take away from or negate the obligation for celebrating Jesus / giving gifts during the rest of the year.

Christmas is just a special way of experiencing one part of the Christian story.

One hesitation I have about not celebrating Christmas is the way it forces us to isolate ourselves from the broader culture.

If the broader culture is emphasizing generosity, particularly in the birth of Christ–no matter how broken the American Christmas holiday is–shouldn’t we participate as a way of coming alongside of people who are seeking God (perhaps without knowing it)?

Jesus entered into our human mess and came alongside us as both human and the embodiment of God. Wouldn’t it be fitting for us, and even Christlike, in the season where the broader culture celebrates the incarnation to take a similar posture and come alongside the broader culture (mess and all) as it reaches for God?

It may be more of a stumbling block for non-religious people for Christians NOT to participate at all in a holiday that focuses on the birth of Christ and generosity. Catch my drift?

Oh, and I did research on St. Nick before I wrote the ‘rethinking christmas’ post. I’m not sure what you’re referring to about “more going on than giving gifts.” You’ll have to explain.

It is good to hear that you are struggling or at least thinking about this issue as well. Hollie and I have been in much prayer, meditation, and study concerning this holiday. We as a family have decided not to celebrate any longer for many of the reasons listed in your relenquish list as well as the embrace list and in the history of the holiday. Please let me explain the embrace list;

The spirit of generosity and gift-giving in Christmas that reflects the way God gave of himself for us in the incarnation

God doesn’t reserve his gift-giving for any one time of the year, nor does his giving ever stop.

The spirit of anticipation and waiting not only for gifts from others, but mainly for the Gift from God (My wife pointed out to me the way receiving gifts from others at Christmas might actually help a child to know what it’s like to receive a gift from God…brilliant.)

God doesn’t reserve his gift-giving for any one time of the year, nor does his giving ever stop.

The relational elements of spending time with family and loved ones that reflect the way God gave relationally to us in the incarnation

Spend time with family and loved ones all through the year, continually giving of yourselves to others.

Giving to others with no strings attached, just to make their day, regardless of what they deserve—again reflecting the incarnation

Again, there is no one time of year for giving. This is something we’re instructed to do all the time. Mostly we need to give of ourselves, time spent with someone else is the most important.

Giving to the poor and needy (Did you know that the original “Saint Nicholas” of Myra (4th Century) was known for giving generous gifts to the poor? It reminds me of how Jesus was born in humble circumstances to bring good news to the poor.)

I won’t go into a long drawn out speal about the original St. Nick, but there is a whole lot more going on than the giving of gifts. Do some research and find out who his companion was and what he gave or took.

Anyway, sharing with you as you share with the world. Much love is given in sharing the truth, no matter how it makes us feel. Truth isn’t always easy, but it’s still truth.

Love you bro!