Stop Being So Religious
It is really annoying.
You don’t have to purify the occasion by talking so much about it being Jesus’ birthday, or saying “Happy birthday, Jesus.”
You won’t win over a generation of cynics by imagining a huge cake with 2019 candles on it.
I caution my friends in the faith to do something very helpful in learning how to truly be a Christian.
Sit down every once in a while and just read the Good News.
There is an incident mentioned, in which the disciples of Jesus came upon a fellow who was having a real good time—celebrating off of the Nazarene’s success. Yet he was not giving any real credit to Jesus himself.
They confronted him, scolding him and saying he needed to come over and follow Jesus and do things the right way. Lo and behold, this independent spirit refused.
Well, the disciples ran back to Jesus in a full-blown-church-lady tizzy. “How dare he snub us and not give honor to you?”
They thought Jesus would rebuke the fellow, or perhaps even kill him for his insolence. Instead, Jesus said, “Leave the dude alone. For those who are not against us are for us.”
Yes, that person at the mall who only loves Christmas because he gets 80% off on electronic devices—he’s one of us.
And the family down the street who look on the December celebration as a commemoration of the Winter Solstice—they are with us.
And all the elves, Santa Clauses, mistletoe, fir trees, choirs, fundraisers and decorated plazas—they are with us, too.
It doesn’t matter what they call it.
It doesn’t matter if you think they don’t offer enough respect to the Bethlehem baby.
For one month out of the year, we stop teaching, breaching, preaching and impeaching and allow ourselves to consider “peace on Earth, goodwill toward men.”
Whatever wisdom people come up with themselves for December 25th, it will lead them to the Star in Bethlehem.
Jonathots Daily Blog 