It was then that I realized how much of our knowledge of Christmas comes from our culture and how little comes from the Bible. I began to feel guilty that we often perpetuate this misinformation among our children the way we celebrate Christmas. For example, the Wise Men and the shepherds never appeared before Jesus at the same time, but we teach it that way to our children every December. What if later in life they begin to wonder what ELSE we taught them wasn't true!?
When we buy a movie on DVD now-a-days, it usually includes what is called "the director's cut." Rather than the usual sound track, the movie plays with the director narrating what effect he or she was after, unusual incidents that happened during the shooting, etc. By watching the director's cut, you get a "behind the scenes" look at the story. You learn what story the director was really trying to tell.
I wondered what God would say if there was a "Director's cut" about Christmas. I came to think that if there were, God would say something like this: "Unlike the picture-perfect Christmases you’re used to, the true Christmas story is more like something of a mess – just like real life. A child is born out of wedlock. A pregnant woman goes on a rough journey. No room to breathe. Noise. Confusion. The pain of childbirth unalleviated by familiar faces, but for the anxious face of the inexperienced father, Joseph. Funny-smelling strangers breaking in out of the dark night. And telling strange tales. A jealous king orders infanticide. Yet, My will is done. The true Christmas story is more like something of a mess – just like real life. And through it all, I am with you."
To me, THAT is a message worth celebrating. What other treasures are buried in the REAL Christmas story and obscured by the culture's celebration?
That is how this series, which begins July 8, was born. Check back after that for more posts!
