Oh, Christmas Tree!

Approximately three weeks ago, I received an internet message from a woman who had a concern about Christmas decorations at the White House.  She reported to me that the White House was not going to have a Christmas tree this year.  She told her audience that the “White House is our house too.”  She wanted the White House to have at least one Christmas tree to show the Christian roots of our nation.

This past week, I saw a TV news show that showed the Christmas trees that had been set up in the White House.  Obviously, the woman who sent me the message was mistaken.  She should have done her homework before sending out such a false report.  However, the internet is chock full of false reports.  Just check out the Snopes.com website.  Perhaps this false message was politically motivated to fan the flames of discontent against the President.  We will never know.

One issue, however, concerns me as a pastor.  This lady expects the government to spend money on decorations for Christmas.  I have no such expectations.  I do not expect the government to live my faith for me.  I do not expect the government to validate my faith either.  That responsibility falls to me and me alone.  It does not matter to me if the Village of Schaumburg puts up a Christmas crèche or the White House has a Christmas tree.  I can live my faith without worrying whether the civil government is living the faith.

Consider this possibility.  Mitt Romney, a Mormon, is running for President.  If he wins, his religion would prohibit him from setting up a Christmas tree.  The Mormons deny Dec. 25 as the birthday for Jesus because it is not scripturally based.  Would we force Mr. Romney to have a Christmas tree and violate his freedom of religion?  I hope not.  If he wins the Presidency, it would be his house and he can decorate as he wishes. 

The other day on the Daily Show, hosted by Jon Stewart, I heard that the Pilgrims outlawed Christmas trees, judging them to be “satanic.”  If the founders of our nation were opposed to Christmas trees, perhaps we should think again about having them in the White House (or any civic building.)

Folks, I have my Christmas tree in my front window, shining brightly at night.  I am proud of my Charlie Brown-esque tree.   I am not opposed to them.  However, we can’t put up a tree and say we are keeping Christmas.  If you really want to keep Christmas, go to church, live peacefully with all people, and be generous with your gifts.  In short, be Christ for others.  Merry Christmas to all!

I invite your comments.

Third Sunday of Advent

First Reading  -  Isaiah 61: 1-2, 10-11  The church refers to the Third Sunday of Advent as Gaudete Sunday, which means “Rejoice” Sunday.  This reading from Isaiah is cause for rejoicing.  Isaiah is called to bring glad tidings to the poor and announce a year of favor from the Lord.  He tells his people that the past year with its trials and tribulations is coming to an end and all things will be renewed.

I am sure that we can resonate with these words.  This year – indeed the past few years – have been hard for everyone.  What kind of “favor” are you hoping for this year?  What “glad tidings” do you want to hear?  Think about this and hand them over to Jesus.

Second Reading  -  1 Thessalonians 5: 16-24.  Paul first came to Thessalonica in 50AD, after being expelled from Philippi. Paul preached in the synagogue there but his preaching started a riot among the people.  Paul was not able to return to Thessalonica so he wrote two letters to the people there.  This reading is from the first letter. 

Rejoice.  Pray.  Give thanks.  That sounds easy, yes?  Isn’t Christianity supposed to be more complicated?  Is there anything else we are supposed to do?  No.  Paul’s mandates are rather simple, but incredibly difficult at the same time.  Paul suffered terribly in Thessalonica but could still praise God for His blessings.

Have you suffered as Paul did?  Have you ever been misunderstood? Persecuted? Criticized?  Were you still able to rejoice and give thanks?  I struggle with that in my own life.  For what are you thankful?  What causes you to rejoice?

Gospel  -  John 1:6-8, 19-28.  John.  Best name in the world.  Oh, sorry!  On to other matters.  John testified to the light.  That was his entire mission.  He did not focus on his own needs, wants and desires, rather he focused on God’s will – to preach a new kingdom.  He also makes an interesting response when the priests and Levites ask “Who are you then?”  “I am the voice of one crying out in the desert, make way the way of the Lord,” he says.  He defines himself by the task that God gave him.  Interesting.

What are the needs and desires of our heart?  Can we put those aside and put God’s needs there?  Remember Jesus’ words:  Not my will but yours be done.  What is the task God gives me today?  Ask God what that task is and be open to being his instrument throughout our day.

I invite your comments.