So this is Christmas, and what have you done...?

Allow me to let you in on a family “secret” at our house. You know those sappy Christmas movies that come on every night from Thanksgiving to Christmas on The Hallmark channel? Right. The ones where every peculiar old man is really Santa or somebody’s lonely and they get a boyfriend/girlfriend just in time to kiss under the mistletoe. If Gail’s got the remote – that emitter of familial control – that’s what’s on our TV. Every night.

Now, I confess. I have a few Christmas movies that I look forward to every year. Any version of “A Christmas Carol” (whatever happened to Mr. Magoo?) gets my vote. A great story. And I’m good for at least one viewing of “A Wonderful Life”. My favorite is “The Christmas Story” about Ralphie and his Red Rider BB gun. Lots of laughs in that one. And Tim Allen’s original “Santa Clause”. “Elf” is a laugher, too. And because I’m a big Maureen O’Hara fan, the original “Miracle on 34th Street” (is that the right number?) is a good one in front of the fireplace.

Unless it’s a version of the Bible story of Christ’s birth, mostly every Hollywood holiday flick – even “The Grinch” – carries with it the theme of joy and some kind of “spirit” that should accompany The Season. Isn’t it interesting that even the secular world still has this notion that Christmas (for some reason) should bring out the best in us? Tiny Tim should get medical treatment. Scrooge becomes benevolent. George is rescued by the generosity of friends while Clarence gets his wings. Ralphie gets his Christmas wish.

And while you and I know that’s not really what Christmas is about, it isn’t a bad thing that this time of year people throw a few bucks into the Salvation Army kettle or give toys to kids via the Marines. People do tend to smile a bit more and the kindness quota rises a bit this time of year. And for most, that’s a good enough reason to have this “holiday season”.

But for Christ followers, who not only know the story that started it all, but know the One worshipped by shepherds and angels as their Savior and Friend, this season should be the time of year when we see the door opened wider than any other time of year to exhibit in our lives that He is real.

While it’s still legal (and I say that with my tongue partly in my cheek), let’s be “Merry Christmas” people. “Happy Holidays” somehow just strips away the fact that this is more than a day off from work. Use this season to speak up and tell your story or invite a friend to church or to your group or to a Christmas activity where you know those whose lives have been changed by Christ will be present. Do something radically generous for a stranger. There may never be a better opportunity in a calendar year for Christians to welcome seekers to the manger and the cross that had to follow.

For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us;
And the government will rest on His shoulders;
And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6)

I wonder if anyone ever really answered John Lennon's question?