In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. Then an angel of God stood before them, and the glory of God shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for see — I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah. This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.”
Luke 2: 8-12
Well, today, we tread on sacred ground with a discussion of Santa. We moved to Florida in November of 1990 and we had one child in school. Our oldest son was in first grade at Azalea Elementary School. When the holidays approached, there was a winter concert at the school. We went eagerly looking forward to seeing the children perform. In the course of the concert, there was a brief introduction of Hanukkah, including reference to the rebellion and the oil in the lamps lasting seven days and nights, and several Hanukkah songs were sung. There was a brief explanation of Kwanzaa and several songs were sung. All was well until they got to Christmas. As an introduction to Christmas we were told that Christmas was a holiday in which children received presents from Santa Claus who went from house to house in a sleigh pulled by flying reindeer and brought the presents down the chimney and placed them under the Christmas tree. The school children proceeded to sing several songs about Santa, etc. Hmmmmm.
The Santa myth is a lovely, magical story that adds delight to this season. BUT, for us as Christians, it should not eclipse Christmas as the celebration of the birth of Jesus, who is the most important figure in the Christian religion. Christmas began as a take off from a pagan winter festival, and the way the school described it, we’ve come full cycle back to that same kind of event. But despite what the school had to say, Christmas is still celebrated by millions as a significant religious holy day.
This brings us to joy. The Santa version of Christmas is a fun festival providing a reason for gifts and parties and silly traditions like leaving cookies and milk out for Santa on Christmas eve. Presents can be a delight and bring happiness. And there is nothing wrong with that. But eventually the toy will break, the clothes will wear out, the gift will be enjoyed and then fade. Just think back to gifts of Christmases past. But, Christmas, as the celebration of the birth of Jesus, signifies so much more.
As the angels proclaim in the beautiful story cited above, Christmas is about “good news of great joy for all people.” Christmas is about the creation of a new reality. It is about the incalculable power of love. It is about liberation from the tyranny of self absorption. It is about a vision of justice and peace for all people. Christmas is about a new world order that benefits all people, even those who do not celebrate Christmas. Christmas is about unconditional, universal divine love at the heart of creation. No naughty or nice. Christmas is about joy; the abiding experience of goodness, love, and hope at the essence of life as we know it. It is so much more than a toy under a tree bedecked with blinking lights. The Christmas of faith is big enough to incorporate the Santa Christmas, but the Santa Christmas will never have the meaning and significance of the faith Christmas. Sure, we should enjoy the toys and trinkets under the tree, but we should also look for so much more: Joy to the world!
Prayer
Keep our eyes wide so that we don’t miss the deepest mystery and magic of this holy time. As Mary and Joseph, the shepherds and magi let their lives be changed and transformed by the birth of Jesus, may we, too, celebrate this birth with great expectations for ourselves and for the world. May we expect and find true joy. Amen.
The theme for this Advent season at Lakewood United Church of Christ is JOY to the World. Each day during the Advent season, a reflection on a scripture passage related to JOY will be posted. We hope these daily reflections help you to have a joy-filled Advent.
Lakewood United Church of Christ 