"Why Celebrate Christmas in 2020?”

Compelled by:    #Isaiah 9:1-7

“... For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will we called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace…. NIV

The #COVID-19 pandemic has been nerve-racking and isolating for many individuals. Dr. William Schaffner, says it best….we are COVID annoyed! It’s #Christmas - a time for gatherings, and an opportunity to reconnect with family and friends. This Christmas will be like none before in the history of Christmas. Social distancing, mask, gloves, hand washing, electronic cards, no ‘large’ gatherings, driving curfews, muzzled Christmas carols and…….but it’s Christmas!  

Why should we even bother to celebrate Christmas in 2020? Most people can tell you the background of Christmas—that it’s a remembrance of the birth of Christ. However, either that’s the degree of their knowledge or they lose sight of this in the busy holiday. Why do we celebrate Christmas? Not Santa Claus, or the Christmas tree, or any other of the countless rituals enfolded up into Christmas. Why do we celebrate this event —what is the true meaning of Christmas? 

Christmas has been defined as a Christian holiday, an annual festival celebrating the birth of Christ; observed usually on December 25th as a spiritual and cultural celebration among billions of people around the world. There also seems to be an investigation on Christianity; some say that God had a son, but it was not on December 25th and his son’s name was not Jesus. 

In addition to COVID-19, we always have the usual war on Christmas. Much debate has surrounded the celebration, and the acknowledgment of the Christmas holiday in government, media, advertising, retail and some secular environments. Many report that there are facts that link Christmas to pagan rituals. A closer look at the above indicates that pagan origins and rituals of Christmas were centered on tree worship, agriculture, magic and social exchange. There are indications that shamanic rituals were at the heart of the Christmas celebration (Christian Ratsch, Claudia Muller-Ebeling).

Yes, if we are all honest with ourselves, we can acknowledge that this life can seem to be hopeless at times; and yes…we are COVID annoyed!  This is hard, we are instructed to find the ‘new normal’ ….  When your spirit is broken it can be hard to go on. Christ has given me a purpose for this season and confidence for the future. This Christmas my friend I wish for you the same thing! 

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will we called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace ( #Isaiah9:6)” NIV

It does not matter what date or where Christ was born. The only thing that matters is the fact that He was born and why He was born! It does make a difference in our lives that Christ came and died for our sins! Christ is the difference between light and darkness, life and death (Is 9:2). He is also the difference between joy and sorrow, freedom and bondage (Is 9:3-4). As we wait for His return, we must be sure that the government of our lives are on His shoulders. We must let Him be to us all that His names proclaim, for every name that He bears is a blessing that He shares (Warren W. Wiersbe).

This holiday, as you celebrate consider how your holiday plans can be modified to reduce the spread of COVID-19 to keep your friends, families, and communities healthy and safe.

This season my friends as you, notice the nativity scenes, decorations, the Christmas trees and the beautiful lights - remember that Christ is still the reason for the season. 

I pray that you will accept the perfect gift, the gift of Christ and I wish you all a #Merry Christmas! 

Be Blessed!

Pamela S. Jackson, Ed.D.