REJOICE!

I have acquaintances who tell me "We don't celebrate <insert holiday here>" generally for "religious" reasons. But Christmas? How can someone not celebrate Christmas? Then again I know religions that celebrate nothing. That's the thing about Christianity - God gave us the independence to determine how we should worship Him. 

5 One person esteems one day above another; another esteems every day alike. Let each be fully convinced in his own mind. 6 He who observes the day, observes it to the Lord; and he who does not observe the day, to the Lord he does not observe it. He who eats, eats to the Lord, for he gives God thanks; and he who does not eat, to the Lord he does not eat, and gives God thanks (Romans 14:5-6)

According to Paul's words here a Christian can rightly celebrate any day he or she wishes as a day for the Lord. I've been told "We don't celebrate birthdays" and my unspoken response was "Seriously? You don't set aside a day to give your Lord thanks and praise for the birth of your child?" They chose to not celebrate birthdays, that's their right, but they do not have the right to tell me I'm sinful for celebrating. The problem is that Graham Hancock is right; mankind is a species with amnesia. We forget stuff, and one way to remember stuff is a celebration. 

Thanks to the celebration of Cinco de Mayo we know something happened involving Mexico on May 5th, why else would there be a celebration of everything Mexican? Most people don't know why everything is orange white and green and mariachi bands roam freely this day, but the memory that something happened involving Mexico on May 5th remains in the public conscience.*

We pray and hope that Christianity never falls into such a depressing state, but on the whole we are very good at reminding ourselves what we are celebrating. Let's face it, if you had communion and your minister didn't read 1 Corinthians 11:23-27 you'd probably say something to him after service, shouldn't you? We celebrate these things to remind ourselves the great truths of Jesus' arrival among us, His ministry, His sacrifice, and His glory. We should celebrate Christmas to remember the birth of Christ and to marvel over the miraculous mystery of His Incarnation. 

Not only for joyous celebration of God's promise made flesh, but a time for reverent worship. The shepherds praised God for the birth of the Messiah, they rejoiced when angels told them that in Bethlehem their savior was born. This time of year the secular world leans a little closer to us, eager to hear of the babe in the manger. We should take advantage of this and share the Good News of what that babe did. 

Yes, society has muddied the message of Christmas with consumerism, myth, nonsense, and meaningless entertainment, but we as Christians are outside of that world. We appreciate the real meaning of Christmas: prophesy fulfilled, the plan of salvation coming to fruit, God made man, and the promised one has come to save us from our sin. I can't think of a reason not to celebrate!

8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

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*Cinco de Mayo is the celebration of the anniversary of the Mexican Army's victory over the French at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. Personally I believe if we celebrate every time the French Army lost to a smaller force this planet would see fewer workdays than party days. On May 5th I will personally be remembering the Battle of WIlliamsburg which happened in 1862 where General George McClellan nearly led federal troops to victory, almost. (Which for McClellan was quite a feat)