This is the time of year that many of us talk once again of having a great Christmas. Maybe you have said, “I don’t want Christmas to be like last year.” So by now, you have made an early New Year’s Resolution and are determined to have your “best Christmas ever.” Take courage; it is possible, if you slay the real “grinch” of Christmas – self-centeredness. There was a time when I desired for every Christmas to mirror a Norman Rockwell portrait. That is why I share this story with you. Please pardon the “slight” embellishment.
On a recent Sunday afternoon, I was enjoying a football game in living room comfort when my two daughters, ages 4 and 6, came to me wide-eyed and pleading for us to go cut down a Christmas tree. I, of course, jumped right out of my easy chair, exclaiming, “I can watch the NFL anytime,” and enthusiastically ran to my freezing cold attic to quickly grab my old trusty tree stand. Fifty minutes later, I emerged with the added bonus of locating our beach umbrella we needed last June. As my wife and daughters bundled up, I ran to my ever-growing Christmas CD collection and skillfully seized six versions of “O Christmas Tree,” including renditions from Nat King Cole, The Carpenters, and my favorite Harry Connick CD. As we traveled to the tree farm, the CDs gave way to our caroling of the top Christmas hymns of all time. I was able to lead like a skilled conductor having meticulously studied since Halloween for just such an occasion.
Arriving at the tree farm, I poured everyone a hot cup of cider from the thermos I had quietly prepared; yet, I must admit that I had forgotten the cinnamon sticks. I guess no one is perfect. Quick to forgive me this holiday faux pas, my family joined me through the pine forest. When the tree that we all finally agreed on was in the very far row of the Christmas farm, I was undaunted, and toppled the Mize Christmas tree and hoisted it over my shoulders. It was a bit cumbersome, but the memories of other great Christmas dads – such as Andy Taylor, Heathcliff Huxtable and Clark Griswold – motivated me to trudge further. Halfway back, I decided that it would be manlier to drag the tree on the ground.
I could tell you more, including lifting the tree onto the van and driving it into the garage – well, we got most of the tree into the garage. Anyway, I want to give one principle that can make this your best Christmas ever. This lesson entails unmasking the thief of our own self-centeredness and concentrating on the real purpose of Christmas.
If you want a truly great Christmas, you must focus on the Person of Christmas instead of the self-centered experience of Christmas. It is apparent that the Christmas season can demonstrate our own deep selfishness. In my Christmas tree story, I must admit that I was really not that excited about leaving the comforts of my living room, plus the part about the Christmas CDs and the hot cider were not all together true – although we did almost strip our tree bare getting it into the garage. But even if people always made every Christmas event picture perfect, we would still miss the point.
Sometimes even church leaders add fuel to our selfishness by telling us that Jesus is the “path” to a great Christmas. In this case, Jesus becomes the verb instead of the direct object which He rightfully deserves. Jesus is much more than a means to an “experiential” end. This truth endures; Christmas is not about you and me. It is not about our kids and family. Some seem comfortable with adding Jesus to their holiday as long as it serves the purpose of their own satisfaction. You must remember that long ago the people who wanted Jesus to be their King were the same ones who later yelled “crucify Him” when He was no longer useful to their agenda.
There is nothing more precious than knowing His Son. God is the One who created us, and He fashioned us in a way that we can only have lasting joy if we have relationship, instead of just a fleeting experience, with Him. Is there joy for the Christian? Yes. Is there hope in Jesus? Yes! Are kindness, beauty and faithfulness available for the believer? Yes, yes, and yes! But above all, there is something more wonderful: Christ Himself overshadowing all of our self-centered desires. Now, this sounds to me like a truly joyful Christmas, even with a Charlie Brown tree in my home and pine sap all over my garage.