Oh Night Divine.

The other day, one of my students said something that has really stuck with me. I am not sure what brought up the conversation, other than the fact that Christmas was right around the corner. She was talking to another student about the holiday that so many people love when she said, "I like God and all, but I really think Christmas is stupid." I was appalled.

So the more I think about it, the more I am bothered by her statement. Are we really not teaching our kids the true meaning of Christmas? How does one "like God," but hate Christmas? After all, He is behind all things Christmas. It is a celebration of the most precious gift ever given: His son, Jesus Christ. It is the basis of all things I believe. If there were no Jesus, our world would be mass chaos and we would not have anything to look forward to after death.

I am also compelled to think of her comment from another point of view... What if she has a point? What if she doesn't really hate the meaning and purpose of Christmas, but hates all of the things that Christmas has become? We, as a society, have become so consumed with lights, trees, Santa, and showering each other with so many presents that we forget why there is a Christmas holiday in the first place. I am guilty of this... Letting myself get so stressed thinking about all of the things I must accomplish. I know that if I just took a step back, I would be able to see through the tinsel and stacks of neatly wrapped silver presents with perfectly tied bows that match my house decor, and see the "reason for the season."

Sometimes we just need a reminder, and I thank my student for giving it to me. I just pray that she will be able to push aside her hatred for the secular Christmas, and remember why it truly is such a wonderful time of year.