we stole it.

December 10, 2009 in life with 2 Comments

In my small group we’re discussing two articles from Relevant Magazine’s December issue

I had to share a quote from an article titled, “Stealing Christmas” written by Jason Boyett, because I think it explains so beautifully the traditions of Christmas merged with the cause of Christ.

Jason Boyett explains that he loves Christmas even after explaining that many of it’s traditions are rooted in paganism, he states,

“No. Despite my humbuggery, I love Christmas. I love evergreen trees and kissing and presents. What I don’t love is the assumption that, as Christians, we own this stuff. What I don’t love is the attitude that cries foul the minute someone removes the cross from the top of the department -store Christmas tree, or that gets upset at the “Happy Holidays” banner outside Wal-Mart.

We call it Christmas and have named it after our Savior, but let’s not be so arrogant as to suggest the holiday is exclusively ours. A better perspective is to admit we have co-opted the season, along with many of its traditions, for the purpose of pointing toward Bethlehem.

Christmas is the story of the incarnation- of the insertion of Christ into the dust of humanity, of the infusion of grace into something worldly and pagan. In the process, mankind was redeemed. If so, then our theft of these solstice traditions is no crime against history. Instead, it’s yet another picture-a beautiful, generous peaceful, evergreen metaphor – of redemption. -Jason Boyett

So before you go join your “let’s put Christ back in Christmas” facebook groups (of which there are many) read this article, and gain a little perspective.

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facebook comments:

  • http://www.alittleshelton.blogspot.com Courtney

    So, I know you aren’t “here” yet, but what are your thoughts on Santa. I would love to hear your perspective. We are trying to decide what we are going to do. I am leaning towards no santa, but am still on the fence (Zeke is only one so I know this year we can still be up in the air…)

  • http://www.erinseaboltbond.com Erin

    Can I tell you how fantastic it is to read this? Because the whole “If you say ‘Happy Holidays,’ you must not love Jesus” thing is about to drive me bonkers. :)