Christmas Confusion

As a young boy growing up in central Pennsylvania deer hunting was a very important matter. In our early years we looked forward, with almost unbearable eagerness, to the day when we would turn 12 and be able to join our fathers and older siblings in the annual hunt. Once we were old enough to purchase a license we dreamed about the trophy buck that was certain to step into our shooting lanes. Deer hunting was so popular that our local school district designated the first two days of the season as holidays. In central Pennsylvania in the 1960's and 1970's deer hunting was a national holiday. As you can see, I grew up with a passion for deer hunting and a great taste for venison.

With that background you can imagine my concern when in 1991 my two year old daughter offered a brief commentary on my deer hunting. Several of the men from the church had arranged for a hunt during the opening week of the season. As Katie saw me dressed in my hunting clothes and gun in hand she boldly declared "Daddy is going hunting." I assured her of my prompt return and then to my dismay she described what would be the result. She replied, "Daddy will talk about deer." It was obvious that she was either a bit confused concerning the purpose for hunting or she had no confidence in my shooting abilities. Let's not pursue those options any further!!!

I think of that this morning as we look forward to the coming celebration of the borth of Christ. There is a much more serious confusion in our world which has, sadly, invaded the church. There has been a certain amount of uproar in recent weeks over retailers who have prohibited employees from saying Merry Christmas. While that move in the secularization of Christmas is revealing and appalling it is not, in my mind, the big issue. The fact that the professing church - of all stripes - has failed to keep Christ at center stage is what is most alarming. One expect the unregenerate to substitute materialism, parties and traditions for the person of Christ. What is shocking is when those who claim to belong to Christ have replaced God centered worship with man centered entertainment. I must add that what is seen at Christmas time is just one symptom of a grave illness that plagues the church throughout the year.

May God grant each of us the spiritual insight to see ourselves in these matters and not just those around us. May we be brutally honest as we examine ourselves. May our quiet contemplation of the realities of the incarnation lead to lives and ministries that are committed to exalting the Lord of glory. May He be glorified as we worship him.