Last week I went to the Farmer’s Market to get my week’s supplies, and I passed a diner that had, on its sign, “This Sunday – Breakfast with Santa – 9-noon.” They aren’t the only ones – I see things like that all over the place, using a so-called Christmas symbol – like Santa – in ways that are the opposite of what he is supposed to stand for. It isn’t wrong to go see Santa – not my point at all. Having this event at the time when almost every church has services and Christian Education is the problem. This is why I have taken to calling so much of what passes for Christmas in America fake. And people’s responses are often of shock or surprise – what is “Fake Christmas?” My answer is this – if it doesn’t involve the birth of Jesus, or love and generosity, it isn’t real Christmas.
Okay, okay – you’ve heard this from me for years – give it a rest. No. I want to share the real meaning of Christmas with anyone willing to listen – that’s my job – to keep it real. And to be clear – I have no problem with all the bling and fluff, as long as Jesus is involved in some way. I love to decorate the tree – I love to give gifts – I love some of the music (Santa Baby – really?) – and I have no illusions that any of this will or should disappear. I would just like a bit more Jesus in Christmas. And no, there is no war in America on Christmas or Christianity – we can still say Merry Christmas (although, I think it is far more polite to respect other traditions, but that’s just me). I still love “Miracle on 34th Street”, even though it’s all about Santa and never mentions Jesus. But we can talk about love and generosity without shoving it down people’s throats, can’t we?
It doesn’t matter to me what kind of faith you practice, as long as you keep it real. As long as love is the first rule of your understanding of God, you can celebrate Festivus for all I care. Let’s reject any religion or religious activity that focuses on hate or bigotry or division. Let’s make 2026 the year that puts the love of God back into the center of faith. Let’s remind ourselves that darkness can only be overcome by light, not more darkness. Real religion, as the writer of the Book of James so aptly put it, is this: “If any think they are religious, and do not bridle their tongues but deceive their hearts, their religion is worthless. Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, is this: to care for orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world.” Well said, James.
Prayer – Holy God, may the practice of our faith be focused on giving. Amen.
Today’s art is “Christmas Star” by Mark Jennings.