A cancelled Christmas

The problem with Christmas is not that the word Christmas, isn’t in the Bible as some purists point out. Nor that it’s celebrated at the wrong time of year as other purists argue. It’s not even so much the fact that the name of Jesus is getting dusty and he’s more to be found in the wings, while crass commercialism and partying have taken center stage. Still, there’s another issue.

Whether St. Nick may once have been a true-to-life generous soul or just a fictitious legend, I’ve come to live with the fact that the world wishes to celebrate the fat man in a red suit. Yes, it bothers me that this bearded idol has become more important that the Messiah, and it bothers me that presents have become the mainstay, and that trees are the focal point.

Six to seven-foot trees today cost upwards of sixty-nine dollars. You have to drag the tree into the car and then the house. The pine needles go everywhere. You have to find a space for it or clear out a space, and then worry your pets might pull it down. You need to water it or it becomes a fire hazard. After Christmas, you drag it back outside to the curb, and it sits there so forlornly, that you are now sad. There are pine needles in the house for weeks afterward. Still, there’s a worse problem.

In this 2020 season of Christmas, the Covid-19 virus has been a mixed blessing. While it’s been a rough time for those who’ve succumbed to its insidious nature, there is a bright side. Now, we don’t have to worry about Santa taking center stage this year because we have a social distance policy. Sitting on Santa’s lap would not fall under that directive. It could be dangerous to the children.

Also, there’s no need to worry about drinking and driving because the restaurants will be closed. And for those who chafe at having to schlep to stores, take heart! Not all of them are open. Your local mom and pop stores have probably gone under with the lockdown crisis. So, take your pick among the big box stores for all of your needs. Nothing like a practical gift from Home Depot.

Regardless, the Christmas story offers a positive narrative to the wearying mantra of mainstream media regarding the Covid-19 which, sadly, is frightening the masses into going into hibernation and turning humanity into singular biohazards one to another. We are in a world where those in charge are going to great lengths to mandate conformity. Masks, isolation, curfews, limits. Cancel culture is the new moniker. It’s easier to control a compliant, willing populace than those who squirm. What better way to do that is to isolate us from each other for months on end and force us to wear masks—even between bites of food, yes!

The spirit of the Antichrist has been here for a long time, even since Biblical days, and has never been more palpable or predictable. Along with the heavy hand of men in high places, whose ambitions and directives fly at their own discretion—even above the banner of law they are sworn to uphold, as they assume to be a law unto themselves with their “All for Thee, but not for Me” examples, our culture is deteriorating before our eyes.

The Prince of Peace whose word provides the ultimate model of love and fellowship will prevail over the godless dictators who exalt themselves. They will be humbled, and the humble will be exalted. No governor, mayor, or any other politician has the right nor the power to literally “cancel” Christmas.

May the joys of Christmas be with you all year long.

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