The holidays are a wonderful time.  I have always adored this time of year.  I love to see my children so excited about their gifts and Lenora so thrilled about decorating the tree.  For us, this time has been all about seeing family, eating a LOT of good food, high school basketball, a flurry of church activities, College football Bowl games, shopping, movies, and candy that Lenora only makes once a year.  It is all very magical.

To be honest, we have never really gotten into what religious folks are always calling, “the true reason for the season.”  Most people would think that is strange… me being a minister and all.  But I grew up in the days when the Church avoided the religious aspects of the holidays for many reasons- some doctrinal and some were simple rooted in our religious traditions.   In recent years, I have become more comfortable with the religious theme of the holiday.  I think it is good that people honor Jesus, even if it is only once a year.  I think it is good that people remember his incarnation, even if they forget his death and resurrection.  Simply put, a little Jesus is better than no Jesus at all!

Then why do we still focus on presents and decorations?  Why is my family still so very “shallow?”  Are we?  I refuse to feel guilty!  I don’t think it is “shallow” to enjoy your family.  I don’t think it’s “carnal” to give to the people you love.  I don’t think it’s “immature” to fellowship in joy with God’s people.  What is wrong with simply enjoying a holiday that is all about family and joy, even if a person doesn’t give it all the same emphasis as someone else?  Nothing… Nothing at all!

Kerry