I dont know how many of you have noticed this but my own observations are it seems marketing for Christmas - and the lead up to x-mas Day by large chain department stores begins earlier and earlier each year.
I know this to be true in my home town here in Australia! it seems the decorations and Chrissie carols played in the background of various stores as you shop around - started as early as late October. And so With well over 7 weeks to Go till x-mas day itself arrives retailers were already positioning themselves to "cash in" on all that special day of the calender month represents.. In fact A work colleague friend of mine commented "it seems like they Go earlier and earlier each year"
I nodded my head in agreement. But really what is it all about??
Is it about the giving of presents to one another? is about lighting up childrens eyes with lots of gifts sitting beneath a tree? is it about sending x-mas cards to family, friends, relatives & work colleagues?
Is it about holidays, vacations, getting away, camping, fun in the sun?
is it about eating lots of food, and the traditional roast turkey. Is it about end of year workplace parties, or just celebrating the year that was? a time to reflect on the sucess of your company, and end of year figures? or is it meargely just a time of rest, recreation, and reflection? IOW a time to pause and stop - and catch one's breath?
But what's it really all about: ???
Every year as this time comes and goes, the alleged and supposed true meaning of Christmas seems to be lost in the melay of all the consumerism and in the multiplied scores of thousands of people who think Christmas is about one of the afore mentioned things above.
But again I propose the question ... what's it all about?
As I'm sitting here typing this post ON Christmas day itself I know if there is any truth or meaning to this Day then of a surety it's not about waiting in long cues at the" check out" or scrambling to get that carpark ahead of some other frustrated commuter....
so what is it all about then?
What i can tell you is - its certainly NOT about all that last minute shopping frenzy, the roasting of potatoes in the bonfire, marshmallows, decorating the tree, The giving of presents, chrissie cards, Santa Claus, reindeers, drink and food parties & celebrations, it's not even about Carols the park... (dare I say it)
If this day represents anything ...and has any true meaning or significance...then i would suggest to you to consider the implications of this:
FOR UNTO YOU IS BORN (THIS DAY) IN THE CITY OF DAVID ... A SAVIOR
WHICH IS ...CHRIST THE LORD Luke 2:11
indeed Joy to the world ...a King ...is come:
Christmas means so many different things to so many different people, so having the right concept and understanding is critical. Otherwise the true meaning is lost in all the hew ha ... so to speak:
Mmm: indeed