As each year goes by I become more detached from Christmas, at least Christmas as it is in the United States.  I feel as though many in our great country do not really understand what it’s all about and have fallen victim to over-commercialization.

Don’t get me wrong, I like the lights and jingles and in the past I loved receiving gifts. 
The best gift I ever received was a Green Machine.  That meant that I was the coolest kid on the block.  And since I took mine to Africa, I was probably the coolest kid on the continent!  Two years later my dad gave me an air-rifle for Xmas which while not quite as hot as a Green Machine was still a great gift.  Once again, I was elated (thanks Dad!).  As I got older I moved away from wanting gifts and really just appreciated my family and friends.  Taking a step back (our out) and looking at Christmas here, I see too much commercialization….reports every other day about how retail sales are up or down.  Last minute sales, extended store hours and so forth.  But rarely do people talk about the meaning of Christmas.  What is the meaning?  I can’t say I know for sure but I know my favorite (though basic) explanation was given by Linus Van Pelt in the Charlie Brown Christmas Special. 

http://www.dltk-holidays.com/Xmas/meaning_of_christmas.htm

I believe that resonates with me because as a youngster living in Ghana, the norm in my mother’s town (and I sure others) was to dress up and walk around greeting your neighbors and friends.  And I mean all of them, not just Christians.  Ghana was about 50% Christian, 30% Muslim and 20% animist.  But everyone celebrated to some extent regardless of religion.  It’s also normal to cook a large meal and deliver portions to your best friends.  This to me is a great example of “good will toward men”.  I understand that we’re in a different culture here, but I wish there was a greater emphasis on why we celebrate Christmas. 

We have those who mandate “Happy Holidays” instead of “Merry Christmas” due to some so-called notion of political correctness.  One of the cornerstones of our nation is tolerance which means accepting Christmas as is – there’s nothing to be PC about.  I lived in Indonesia for a number of years and I know there are signs that say “Merry Christmas” and that’s the largest Muslim country in the world with Christians making up less than 9% of the population.  No one there insists on “Happy Holidays”.  We also have those who take the opportunity to blame liberals for the demise of the Christmas moniker, meanwhile half of them probably haven’t picked up a Bible in years. 

Seven years ago tonight I went to midnight mass in Pittsburgh.  At the time I dated a woman and spent Christmas with her family and they put emphasis in family, on church and in overall good will.  I had not been to church in years (I’m not even Christian) but I was happy to be there because it took me back to what I remember in my youth.  It was a celebration of the birth of Christ the right way.  

So this Christmas I hope that all AR members will take a moment with your families and wish all your friends a Merry Christmas.  Let’s also reflect on the state of the world and hope for less bloodshed.  After all, according to the Bible, Christ did die for us…..why should we continue killing each other?  Take a moment and say hi to your neighbors and stop to help someone in need - even if it's merely walking an elderly person across the street.  Good will to people. 

Merry Christmas to all of you.