The Cruelty of a Secular Christmas

Over the years, I have heard many messages, some implicit, some explicit, about the true meaning of Christmas. Most of them seem slightly irritating, but harmless: “Christmas is all about that childlike wonder," and “Christmas is about giving”.

            Although I have not done a survey, I would have to say that “being near the ones you love” is one of the most universally agreed upon in our culture. One of the reasons this message is so powerful is because every year many of us get so consumed by the frenzy of gift buying, decorating, baking, etc, that 'being near the ones you love," seems profoundly deep and meaningful. But what if there is something even deeper? 

            See, to some, if Christmas is about 'being near the ones you love,' (or really any of the meanings of Christmas offered by secular society) then Christmas is just torture. Maybe their parents are divorced, and this is the first Christmas after. Maybe their family is tainted with abuse of some kind. Maybe their family get together is haunted by the huge hole left by a missing family member. Where are the ‘tidings of great joy’ for all of these people? Is Christmas the ‘most wonderful time of the year,’ for everyone, or just for a narrow sliver North Americans living in naïve opulence? I wonder how many have given up on the experience of belonging and love that we are ‘supposed to feel’ this time of year, and therefore given up on Christmas.

            But what if Christmas is actually MORE for those who HAVE huge holes in their family than it is for those who live in the card-castle of domestic harmony? What if Christmas is actually about celebrating the beginning of something huge: the beginning of a process that will end all the hurt, all pain, and even all death? If the broken hearted out there are able to find a radio station that sings about the right ‘baby’ this Christmas, then you might find hope in lyrics like this:

“No more let sins and sorrow grow, nor thorns infest the ground.

He comes to make, His blessings flow, far as the curse is found…” (Joy to the World)

“O come, Thou Day-Spring come and cheer

our spirits by Thine advent here.

Disperse the gloomy clouds of night,

and death’s dark shadow put to flight.” (O Come O Come Emmanuel)

This is why EVERYONE can celebrate Christmas; because the King of the Universe came to make war on all that is ugly, filthy, tragic, and horrifying, whether it be inside our hearts, or around us. He came to put an end to all sorrow and pain. That is why we can sing, “Joy to the world!” when all we feel is broken. That is why we say, “Oh sing, choirs of angels!” when all we feel we can do is weep. 

Not only did God declare war on all evil in this baby born in a manger, but He also promised to win that war. There will come a day when He will return in glory and take all of those who trust in Him to a land without sorrow or pain. 

May many gain true peace and joy this Christmas by trusting in Christ, and may those who already do grow ever more eager for that day. 

Merry Christmas