The Loveliness of Christmas

The state in which I live has made a mockery of Christmas and I'm not proud of that. M also pointed out as we drove the streets of the Capitol City that there were no Christmas decorations downtown. But I've noticed in the last several years since the assault on "Christmas" began in earnest that Christmas lights have made a comeback in our area. And even as I am greeted with "holiday" signs, I take comfort when I am wished a true and real "Merry Christmas."

This is from an article on Christmas movies but I liked one small section a lot. Happy Holidays is an empty phrase that means little to most of us. When we take Christmas back in our hearts and when we act out in our giving and sharing, we will have an impact beyond our protests.

"....some people want to dismiss the Nativity story as just another fairy tale. And yet, we cannot get away from it. There's something about the mysterious gravity of that story.

When we're reminded not just of the marvelous things that happened that night, but also of the darkness into which Christ was born—then we catch a glimpse of what was really at stake, of just how much our Lord gave up, and how much he suffered, to save a wretch like me.

This month, in the State of Washington's Capitol building, a Nativity scene is on display. Right beside it is a placard installed by the Freedom From Religion Foundation that reads: "There is only our natural world. Religion is but myth and superstition that hardens hearts and enslaves minds."

It's a free country. Atheists have every right to declare their opinion. But the sign has stirred angry protests from Christians.

I encourage them not to worry. Consider this: One exhibit offers a brash claim, unsupported by art, unadorned by anything attractive or beautiful. The other offers a beautiful and mysterious scene, a spectacle that often inspires humility, faith, and hope in those who meditate on it. Which is likely to capture imaginations? Which will speak to children?

Madeleine L'Engle wrote that we do not draw people to the truth "by telling them how wrong they are and how right we are, but by showing them a light that is so lovely, they will long with all their hearts to know the source of it."

Read the whole article by Jeffrey Overstreet here.