Christmas

Good afternoon,  I have not written lately mostly because writing is for me like the tip of the iceberg - the majority of what is underwater is needed so what is above shows - and I have been spending lots of time underwater.  Christmas bugs me in lots of ways.  Its not so much about throwing stones at commercialism, materialism, spiritualism, or any other 'ism.  Its more about my inability to have the discipline to do what I think right at Christmas.  See if I had my way, I would have a bit of all the 'isms'.  I like shopping, a little bit, I like materialism a little bit and spiritual stuff I like a lot.  I like getting gifts for people, and I like getting them.  I like thinking of Jesus and what that means.  But if I was really honest about where I would find myself centered and at peace, it would be a very private place where no one intrudes.  Christmas alone, which I have done for a few years of my life, has been really good.  I didn't set up a tree or decorations, did very little shopping, spent the day alone and found there was a lot more time for God which in the end is what it is about.  I like church (guess that goes without saying since I am a pastor) and I like community, but the best time is just with family with no great plan, not too much food, just quiet.  Makes me wonder what Christians are really like in Canada.  Do we do Christmas different than anyone else?  We need to - we need to do it different because the first Christmas is no longer the core of the holiday.  If we are all about Christ we need to be really different, different enough to be noticed.  To be a Christian today is to be different, odd, out of balance with society - and that is a challenge.  If you are interested in a challenge take a look at Tony Campolo's Red Letter Christians DVD series, or Francis Chan on The Fear of the Lord.  They both ask us to be odd, different - maybe they have something to think about.  Merry Christmas