Put Christ Back Into Christmas?

Several times this Nativity Fast I will be posting articles I wrote for our local weekly newspaper, The Fort RECORD. This one is from 2009.

Every Christmas I see it, and you probably have too - a sign that decries all the things that Christmas has become and urges people to "put Christ back into Christmas."

I must admit that it seems a pretty weak-kneed, wishy-washy and poor sort of a Christ Who would allow Himself to be displaced, or, even worse, would need our help getting back into the Feast which bears His Holy Name!

The truth is that Christ our God has never left Christmas.  For all who will search for Him He is still unmistakenly present in "The Christmas Season." Because there is no place where He cannot be found. 

Christ can be found in family gatherings where His name is never mentioned or His existence affirmed.  He can be found in long and grouchy shopping lines among people carrying purchases that may well be forgotten (or at least broken) by Boxing Day.

Christ can be found in gifts (for He is, after all, "The First Christmas Gift!"). And He can be found in the places like shopping malls where Santas bounce children on their knees and send them off with a cheery (and sometimes weary) "Ho! Ho! Ho!"  Christ can even be found in "The Winter Solstice" in the "Winter Holiday" and even in "X-mas!" 

Why? - Because it's His will and purpose to be found, and no matter what Christmas has become or becomes, or what we weak willed and fickle folk try to make of it, Christ will never forsake or abandon the Feast which marks His entrance in the flesh into this world He created, and loved, and died for.

Next time you see a sign or hear the words, "Put Christ back into Christmas" smile a little and remember - He's always been in Christmas, He is today, and He always will be, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages!