"Christ's Mass"

by Joey Davis

Well, 'tis the season . . .

'That's right, 'tis the season for members of the church of Christ to become conflicted about celebrating Christmas. After all, we are told that we are celebrating the birth of Jesus every Lord's day right along with His death and resurrection. To this I say, "there is nothing more true!"

However, some feel that to single out this time of the year to celebrate a holiday sends the wrong message. To this I say, "it depends on how you look at it."

From the very name of the holiday "'Christ's Mass," we realize that this time of the year was Catholic in origin. But being as how I'm not Catholic, this holds very little significance to me other than if I don't celebrate the season simply because the Catholics do, I've allowed them to steal celebrating from me. (again!)

Should we celebrate the birth of Jesus on December 25th? Absolutely!!! 'But if you do, I suggest you celebrate it on December 26th, 27th, 28th. . . and every day following! And don't allow anyone to steal your zeal for celebrating the Son of God!

"The real question is, "was Jesus really born on December 25th?" I sincerely doubt it. However the only thing that theologians agree upon when discussing the time of the virgin birth is that it didn't happen in summer and that it was before calendars 'changed from B.C. to A.D. Other than that, it's a mystery.

In our household, we celebrate Christmas. Not "Christ's Mass," but something even more special. We celebrate a time when everyone in the house is allowed, for what seems like the shortest of time, to experience unabashed joy, hope, love, and childlike wonder in spite of living in a world that seems out of control. Everyone who enters our home is encouraged to forget that the world is dying. . . and be thankful that we'll live forever; to suspend judgement upon what we can see. . . and renew our resolve to spend our hearts believing in what we cannot; and to remember that even though this world deals us its worst. . . God has delivered us through His Best.

It's a time when we are thankful for what we receive, but are even more thankful that God has given us loved ones with whom to share our blessings.

That's what this time of the year means to me. You're welcome to define it any way you choose. Just remember to be consistent. . . leaving the church building doesn't mean God isn't watching!

( Colossians 2:8-23)

• His Star -Nov 09, 1997
• Christmas Day -Dec 22, 1996
• Aunt Edgie -Nov 12, 1995
• The Inn Keeper -Apr 30, 1995
• Childbirth -Nov 27, 1994