What Are You Celebrating?

"Sooo, tomorrow's the big day, huh?" someone mocked on Christmas Eve. He didn't add, "for you people," but I knew what he meant. If I hadn't had two calls on hold, a text on the screen, and a dozen other things going on, I probably would have jabbed back and said, "No, that's Resurrection Day, tomorrow is simply the warm-up." He walked away before things could settle down enough for a proper response.

He thinks he's funny. He thinks he's superior. What a shame that is. After our little encounter, it made me wonder, "What is he celebrating?" His children are grown, but there are no grandchildren. He's never spoken of any small children in his life. So, if he's not celebrating Jesus and he's not celebrating Santa, what is Christmas Day to him? Does he ever question not simply why we do this, but why it has been done for hundreds of years? Sure, sure, winter solstice, pagan gods and all that, but the giving thing. What does the giving thing -- maybe not to the extent of the western world but, all over the world, mind you -- have to do with Winter -- especially people who aren't even in the winter season? Why does everyone talk about peace and joy and good will, if this is simply a celebration of astrological or meteorological events? Where did this theme originate if not from the birth of a Miracle? if not from the advent of something glorious for all mankind -- restoration with our Creator? if not from history?

Today might not be the big day, on the Christian calendar, but it is a day of celebrating a promise fulfilled. Today celebrates God's faithful response to mankind's plight. Today celebrates the God's ultimate charity to His creation. Today celebrates the beginning of a life on this temporary earth, for the purpose of many lives begun in eternity. Today begs the question, "If you're not celebrating Jesus, what are you celebrating?"

Merry Christmas!