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Education Ministry

Posted on December 10, 2003 ...

Guest Commentary from Verlin Tucker

There is a great disparity between Christmas as a Christian observance and Christmas as a commercial celebration. The world around us is happy with Santa Claus, overspending, extravagance, and self-indulgence and is not supportive of self-examination, prayers for forgiveness, and the sense of unworthiness we get when we contemplate the cost of God’s precious gift. If we are to truly live through the genuine Christmas experience, it will not be the result of the normal activity around us, but an intentional prioritizing of our time and a directing of our celebration in a way that focuses on God rather than ourselves. It is our choice. Fortunately church history offers long-established ways of celebrating the Christmas season. With a minimum amount of research we will find that there are many traditions we can incorporate into our observance.

The church has typically observed the Christmas season in three distinct parts: Advent (a time of self-examination and prayers for forgiveness), Christmas (a time of celebration), and finally the Epiphany (celebrating the arrival of the Magi).

Advent-4 weeks prior to Christmas

Consider a family Advent wreath. This is especially significant when there are small children in the home. Take some time to explain its significance as together you construct the wreath. Have a specific time for family devotions and allow different family members to lead in the nightly lighting of the candle(s). Follow this with prayer and scripture reading. An Advent calendar is another excellent way of directing our thoughts toward God. December 6th is typically celebrated as St. Nickolas Day. This Bishop was renowned for his unselfishness and generosity, a model for Christian character. Celebrating and contemplating such traits can encourage our children to value them as well. Here is a good opportunity to provide small gifts as you discuss stewardship.

Christmas - Dec 25 - Jan 5th

Consider enthusiastically welcoming Christmas day by participating in a communion service as the first minutes of the day unfold just after midnight on Christmas Eve. Some churches prefer to join gift giving to the celebration of the arrival of the Magi with their gifts to Christ. Others simply spread the giving and celebration over the twelve days of Christmas. The remembrance of Stephen the first Christian martyr (December 26th) and the children slaughtered by Herod (December 28th) creates somber but teachable moments when the cost of Christian discipleship and the possibility of persecution can be openly and honestly addressed.

Epiphany - Jan 6

The Epiphany is a time of conclusion. With the arrival of the Magi we see the spread of the good news to the gentiles.

A Christ centered Christmas does not happen automatically it takes planning and work. As with most things relating to God, it is a choice we make.