Once or twice a month the local newspaper here in Bryson City publishers one of my articles.  As we approach Christmas I hear mixed reviews concerning the "commercialization" of Christmas.  I thought I would share with you an article that is going out in the next Smoky Mountain Times newspaper.  Perhaps it will lift your spirit.

I STILL LOVE THE CHRISTMAS SEASON!

        I do love this time of the year.  It is “The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year.”  Of course, doesn’t everyone love this season?  Actually, no, not everyone does love the Christmas season.  There is very vocal element of our society that demands Christians just, “Shut up!”  Companies, afraid of offending customers often tell their workers, “Don’t use the term “Merry Christmas” or “God Bless You.”  The reality is that regulation likely offends more people than saying Merry Christmas.   Well, I regret that anyone may be offended but I still say “Merry Christmas.”  It does not seem that many are worried whether I am offended with their language.    

        Even some Christians cast a pall over Christmas by continually bemoaning the fact that His birthday has been so commercialized.   Well, it has, but I am still delighted that His birth is mentioned in such a prominent manner at this time of year.  The Apostle Paul rejoiced that the gospel was preached even when it was done by those who desired to cause him problems.  I rejoice in the mention of the name of Jesus Christ throughout this season.  I love hearing Christmas carols played in the stores that speak of the birth of the Savior.  I love the bright colors and decorations that are up at this time of the year.  In spite of all the “hustle” and “bustle” of the crowds most people are very pleasant and friendly.  It is a time of the year when even unbelievers speak openly of the birth of Jesus Christ.  I believe, according to the scriptures that “the Father is always well pleased to hear His Son well spoken of.” 

        When I was a young preacher my pastor was holding meetings in our church.  I, like Martha of the New Testament, was much bothered by keeping schedules and making sure that things operated properly.  We were about to enter the auditorium with the choir for the service when he turned to me, seeing that I was thus bothered, and said, “Brother Larry, don’t lose the blessing.”  I have tried to remember that simple caution.  We can become so “bothered” by the negatives in our lives that we miss the blessing and joy of the season.  One form or another of the word “joy” or “rejoice” is prominent in the Christmas story in the Scriptures.  We should take that as a clue to how we should respond to this wonderful time of the year when the world, even many who are not believers, at least recognize the significance of His birth. 

Let’s be careful that we do not allow ourselves to become so occupied with the commercialization of Christmas, the stress of finances, the loneliness of being away from family or any of the myriad of negatives that impact our lives and “lose out on the blessings of the season.” Matthew 2:10, “When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.” 

Larry Spencer