The Subtle Shift

I remember Novembers of long ago, when the only obvious holiday decorations were a few remaining Halloween pumpkins, still sitting on doorsteps. We were eager to celebrate Thanksgiving with family, but the stores were not filled with specific Thanksgiving decor--no Thanksgiving napkins, paper plates, or centerpieces. The stores were not crowded with Christmas displays, either; those did not arrive until right after Thanksgiving, when Santa rode into town in a horse-drawn wagon or a red convertible, or at least once in my memory, in a helicopter.

Years ago, Halloween was celebrated with its brief, one day of trick or treating in our neighborhoods. Thanksgiving was observed by thanking God during an extra church service on Wednesday evening or Thursday morning, followed by the traditional, extended family feast with our grandparents.


In nearly every town across America, the downtown Christmas lights were lit on Thanksgiving evening, and people began to think about doing some local Christmas shopping. Few people were extravagant with their purchases, even if they could afford it, because most believed that Christmas wasn't really about presents. Instead, we knew that Christmas was unquestionably about celebrating Jesus' birthday, and the astounding gift God gave when he sent his only son to be born on earth. So, we went Christmas caroling, and we oohed and ahhed at the spectacular light displays and inspirational nativity scenes in our neighborhoods.

Every church and school, even the public schools, spent many days in preparation for their children's Christmas programs. We sang "Jingle Bells," even at church, but songs like "Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer" were far from our thoughts; we knew all the words to "Silent Night" and "Oh Come, All Ye Faithful" (even the Latin verse) and "Away in a Manger." Church programs were always held on Christmas Eve, along with a midnight candlelight service and another service on Christmas morning.

Our celebration of Easter was similar: we dyed a dozen Easter eggs on the Saturday before Easter, but we all recognized Easter as the celebration of Jesus' resurrection. Maundy Thursday evening and the better part of Good Friday were spent at church, and we attended the Easter sunrise service, and enjoyed breakfast together in the church fellowship hall before attending one more worship service. Our Easter celebration culminated with another family dinner.

Our gatherings were exciting, never boring, because we rejoiced in God's great love for us, which is much more significant, more expansive and extraordinary, than any seasonal decoration, Christmas present, or Easter egg. But the eyes of the Lord are on those who fear him, on those whose hope is in his unfailing love. (Psalm 33:18)

I wonder--when did it happen, that subtle shift, in our country, from the pervasive attitude that God's gifts are worth celebrating, to the prevalent perspective that having a good time is all that matters?

When did Thanksgiving change from a day of thanking God for all of his blessings, to a family celebration of turkeys and football games?

When did so many American citizens stop believing that Jesus loves us so much that he was born a baby, and eventually died to take away our sins so we can have eternal life with him in heaven?

When did American kids replace "Jesus Loves Me" with the most popular songs on their radios, computers, and iPods?

When did Americans start believing that Jesus wants us to be happy, above all, and have everything we could possibly want? And if he doesn't answer every prayer according to their precise specifications, why do so many believe that Jesus isn't worth their time, and he is certainly not worthy of their love?

Whatever happened to the notion that relationship with Jesus is key, that knowing God and seeking his truth is something to be desired? And where is the conviction that Jesus loves us so much that we yearn to love him, and the people around us, as well? We love because he (God) first loved us. (1 John 4:19)

It is rare to find people who want to serve God by expressing his love to the hurting people around us. Now, in the twenty-first century, it seems as though few people believe that the Spirit of God can empower them to share his love with the people they meet. For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. (2 Timothy 1:7)

Another holiday season is upon us. We each have a choice to make. Will we spend the next two months immersed in shopping and decorating and partying to the point of exhaustion? Or will we lead the way to another subtle shift, back to the "Reason for the Season," cliche though it may be?

  1. Now thank we all our God, with heart and hands and voices,
    Who wondrous things has done, in Whom this world rejoices;
    Who from our mothers’ arms has blessed us on our way
    With countless gifts of love, and still is ours today.
  2. Oh, may this bounteous God through all our life be near us,
    With ever joyful hearts and blessed peace to cheer us;
    And keep us in His grace, and guide us when perplexed;
    And guard us through all ills in this world, till the next!
  3.  Martin Rinkart, ca.1636




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