Pastor Rick Warren has been in the news lately as Barrack Obama’s controversial choice to say a prayer at the inaugural.
Here’s an excellent article written by Warren on the real meaning of Christmas. It’s actually an excerpt from his recent book: The Purpose of Christmas–a timely message posted in Christianity Today Magazine online:
“Christmas is a party. Specifically, it’s a birthday party — for Jesus — and birthdays are meant to be celebrated. It’s why we say “Merry Christmas!”
Ironically, at most Christmas parties the person whose birthday we’re supposed to be celebrating is completely ignored. He’s never even mentioned. Although Jesus is the reason for the season, he’s often overlooked or merely mentioned along with Rudolph, Frosty the Snowman, Santa Claus, the Grinch, elves, and a long list of celebrated fictional characters.
As I was writing this little book, I decided to take a survey of Christmas shoppers. I asked, “What are you celebrating this Christmas?” Most answers had nothing to do with Jesus:
- “I’m celebrating that I made it through another year.”
- “I’m celebrating being home with my family.”
- “I got a Christmas bonus.”
- “My son is home from Iraq.”
- “The candidate I voted for got elected.”
- “I’m celebrating that I’ve finished all my shopping.”
- “I’m not celebrating anything. I’m just trying to survive.”
Preparing for Christmas can be a lot of work, especially for moms. With the pressure of buying gifts, sending greeting cards, decorating our homes, putting up lights, cooking, attending parties, and cleaning up afterward, we have little time to actually enjoy the meaning of Christmas.
The first purpose of Christmas is celebration! We learn this from the angel’s opening statement to the shepherds of Bethlehem. God had wonderful news for us that would cause us all to rejoice, celebrate, and throw a party: “I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.” Luke 2:10 (NIV)
The good news of Christmas is worth celebrating for three reasons. It is personal: “I bring YOU.” It is positive: “GOOD news of great joy.” And it is universal: “for ALL the people.” It doesn’t matter who you are, what you’ve done, where you’ve been, or where you’re headed — this news is for you.” <<Read the complete article>>