Text: Matt. 1:18-25
The Christmas period on our calendars occupies much of our attention in the last quarter of the year. We noticed this year that Christmas items began appearing in stores even before Halloween. The American economy anticipates the Christmas period as a surge in sales and profits. The selling frenzy officially begins on the Friday following Thanksgiving, known as Black Friday. Black is the financial term for surplus on the balance sheet verses being in the Red or in financial loss or debt.
As a religious holiday, Christmas means a singular focus on the birth of Jesus Christ. Catholic and Protestant Christianity call the Christmas season, Advent. However, the purpose of Advent in these traditions is to focus on Christ’s second coming. Furthermore, Advent is meant to help Christians focus on practicing four virtues (hope, love, joy, and peace) in light of Christ’s second advent.
Many of the liturgical churches celebrate Christmas with special Christmas programs and benevolent efforts in the community. Handbell Ensemble presentations, Advent candles, celebration of the Eucharist, Vesper Services (Evening Mass), all characterize the Christmas time for many segments of Western Christianity.
The celebration of Christmas is not without its controversies even in the 21st century. Elements within the Baptist movement advocate against certain aspects of Christmas. Other segments of Christianity do not celebrate Christmas or limit the scope of its celebration. However, if we look at Christmas from the perspective of Christ’s birth, we can find in the Scriptures four reasons for Christ’s first advent and thus, why it is acceptable to celebrate Christmas as Christians.
