There is probably no holiday or celebration that is more distorted than Christmas. Celebrated across the globe, Christmas is a hodgepodge of biblical tales, myths, music, accumulated traditions, and commercial interests.
If we strip away the layers of distortion, we begin to understand how far we have strayed from the simple story of a historic birth. Even the date that we celebrate is in all probability, an invention of human origin. Since people of that time didn’t use the calendar that we use today, the date we celebrate is essentially an honorary choice, not the actual anniversary of that historic event.
Over the centuries, mankind has distorted and enhanced the Christmas story to suit the human needs of the time. Biblical scholars have since cast doubt on many of the elements of that story, Three kings? Three wise men? From the East? Are they one and the same and where exactly is the “east?”
More recently, questions have arisen about those infamous accommodations that Joseph and Mary were forced to accept. Turns out that the “manger” of historical view is somewhat more comfortable than that lean-to that appears in all those pictures and re-enactments we see in the month of December. If they shared space with livestock, so did the resident family as was the custom of the times.
The custom of giving gifts can easily be linked to those visiting kings, making it one of the few elements of the holiday season that can be directly associated with that historic birth. However, true to form, we have managed to distort that as well by mixing in Santa Claus, flying reindeer, and elves. Add to that, we have managed to turn gift-giving into a competitive event as each giver tries to out-give or match the value they receive.
While there are some beautiful and timeless tunes associated with Christmas, it’s a pretty good bet that the feel-good, happy tunes outnumber the devotional music.
What began as a tribute to the birth of Jesus has morphed into a circus of monumental impact that serves mostly to support retailers and merchants.
So, what is the “best” Christmas gift?
There is no disputing the value of setting aside a day for family gatherings and exchanges of gestures of love. But the opportunity to give that “best” gift may get lost in the glare of colored lights and decorated trees.
It is the opportunity to “give” to those truly in need.
If we open our eyes and our hearts, we will recognize that there are charities galore that plead for our donations. It may be a church down the road which is having a food drive, It may be the bell-ringer outside the grocery store. It may be the local homeless shelter.
Once we strip away all the glitz and glamor we have added to Christmas and recognize it as a celebration of the greatest gift ever given to humanity, we are left with the obligation to share.
You need not look far to find that “best” gift. It is clothed in the opportunity to help those in need.