Close, but No Cigar

What a difference a birth can make, including the anticipation of one. There's the happy task of getting a room or space ready for what will be a handful, at least. There's the equally strenuous chore of keeping momma happy, because if momma ain't happy....

And, if there are other little ones already in the household, reading the Riot Act to them about how to be and, especially, how not to be with the new arrival.

Never, however, have I witnessed a birthday party at the time of a birth. Oh sure, there may be family and friends stopping by with food and an uncle or two expecting dad to have a cigar to celebrate. But somehow, the birth itself is the gift that needs no others to be given. That's why I don't understand the melee of rabid shopping to celebrate this birthday - the one for Christ.

Maybe the gift to the world, unlike one to a family, isn't enough of a thrill. Maybe we satisfy ourselves that we have made room for Christmas in the house even though we haven't let it fill our hearts. Maybe the needs of many children outweigh the blessing of one for all. Then again, there's always been the need to enhance the advent of our salvation.

The Christmas tree is an evergreen that reminds us that God's gift of new life is perennial - available every season of the year. The Christmas wreath is round to signify an offering that has no beginning and no end. Christmas lights shine for the Light of the world. And Santa himself honors the gracious giving of a saint who enriched the plight of the poor.

Surely there's no lack of good will in enhancing Christmas a little more with a lot of fanfare. Filling your house with store-bought cheer and your lawn with holiday gear. Surely there's no harm in extending peace on earth with pieces of wordly paraphernalia. Surely the spirit of Christmas is enhanced by an intoxicating search for the unknown through what was previously unavailable/unaffordable.

You will, I'm sure, excuse me for not being party to the party. Forgive me for not sharing the need to make a list and check it twice. Even grant me the benefit of my doubts about the lasting worth of good, old, plastic replacements for good, old, authentic Jesus. You see, what I cherish about Christmas is a birth, not a birthday. Everything else is close, but no cigar.