Getting Ready for Christmas

Imagine this scene, portrayed in a cartoon I remember: A clerk sits behind the desk of the "National Holiday Headquarters." Behind him, a giant Santa, and a Christmas Tree with ornaments and gifts. In front of the desk is a large turkey, with the word, "Thanksgiving" written on its side. The clerk says to the turkey, "Sorry, you"ve been replaced. Give me a call next year."

This is one of those years when special days creep up unannounced! Thanksgiving was late, and Christmas is upon us! Most of us aren't ready. It's coming too fast. We do know what's ahead, in preparation: Christmas cards to write, decorations to get out, special programs to attend, get-togethers with friends and family, and possible travel plans. Even residents of "the Village" where I reside will probably do a little baking…just for "old times." (Love those special cookies).

Advent is a key to helping us "keep Christmas." It's meant to prepare our hearts for what's ahead. The focus is on "the main event," and not upon the many traditions which have been a part of Christmas. After all, most of the practices came long after the birth of Christ.

Did you know that for centuries, celebrations of Christmas were discouraged and even outlawed? December 25 wasn't formally selected as the day of Christmas until 349 A.D. Over the years laws were enacted to prohibit the observance, as "something pagan." In the United States, the Pilgrim Fathers opposed such celebrations. Later, several church bodies voiced opposition: Baptists, Presbyterians and Quakers among them.

Many practices we keep were late-comers: Christmas Trees (1821), commercial Christmas cards (1843), Saint Nick (Reformation, 16th century). Candy canes symbolized a shepherd's staff, and were introduced in 1670. Even the Christmas national holiday came late in the U.S…not officially recognized by all the States until 1890.

So….what does it really mean to "keep Christmas"? Not in the outward observances, nor in favoring "new and different renderings"…like modernistic angels with peroxide permanents, or Santas arriving by helicopter in shopping malls. (Neither does the persistent push to be a part of the mob scene at crowded stores…particularly when it's hard to think of things which your friend or family member really needs)!

Advent is the time to long for the abiding love which the season can bring;….to rehearse the ancient miracle of Christmas which can tug at the heart strings once again. Surely we want to look forward to those traditions which really strengthen family ties and bind us to our friends. But most of all, the Season is meant to prepare us for His coming…once again&helllip;as God With Us.

If this is our focus, then Advent, which begins on November 29 this year*—will be anticipating "the true meaning of this holiday." We will not "spend" Christmas…nor "observe" Christmas. We will "keep" Christmas—keep it as it is—in all the loveliness of its ancient traditions. May we keep it in our hearts, that we may be kept in its hope.

* In Western Christianity, Advent begins the fourth Sunday before Christmas, or the Sunday closest to November 30, and extends through Christmas Eve, December 24. When Christmas Eve falls on a Sunday, it is the last, or fourth Sunday of Advent. In Eastern Orthodox churches, which use the Julian calendar, Advent begins earlier, on November 15, and lasts 40 days, rather than 4 weeks. (AboutReligion)