XMess

I wrote this poem when I was in high school. I still kinda like it, even though I have since found out that it actually does snow in Bethlehem from time to time.

A Christmas special on TV a couple nights ago
Had three wise men and a flock of sheep
Walking through the snow
How sad, I thought, and such a shame
Doesn't anybody know
That in the desert town of Bethlehem
It never, ever snows?

I went to the mall the other day-- a very scary place
Where cursing shoppers fussed and fought
For every parking space
How sad, I thought, and such a shame
Does anyone remember
There's more to save than steps and cash
During this month of December?

And in the mall, a line of kids, some skinny and some fat
Kicked and clawed to get their turn
To sit in Santa's lap
How sad, I thought, and such a shame
Can't anybody see
That Christmas time is not the time
To teach our children greed?

So with "Xmas" decor everywhere, I've come to the conclusion
That the One who won at Calvary
Gets lost in the confusion
How sad, I thought, and such a shame
But there can be no doubt
That Christmas becomes an X-Mess
When Christ gets taken out.

Thank God for Charlie Brown

Last night, I was watching "A Charlie Brown Christmas" with my 11 year old. It was released in 1965, the year before I was born, and I don't ever remember not watching "A Charlie Brown Christmas" at least once every year. But I got the impression it was the first time Caleb had really paid attention to it. And watching it through his eyes, I was amazed at how wonderfully, incredibly politically incorrect "A Charlie Brown Christmas" is. When Charlie Brown cries out, "Isn't there anyone who can tell me what Christmas is all about?!?", only one answer is given. Linus doesn't come out and say, "well, the holidays mean different things to different people, Charlie Brown. Christmas is all about spending time with the people you love." Instead, Linus comes center stage, asks for the lights to come on, and recites Luke 2, ending with "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, and good will toward men." Then he grabs his blanket, walks to Charlie Brown, and quietly says, "That's what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown." Charlie Brown walks out of the theater with his pitiful little tree, stands under the stars, and then-- I swear I am not making this up-- closes his eyes and prays, while Linus's words from Luke echo in his head. And the whole Peanuts gang joins him under the stars and sings "Peace on earth, and mercy mild-- God and sinners reconciled." No menorahs, no mention of Ramadan, no Kwanzaa. No season's greetings, no Santa Claus, no happy holidays. Because while that may be what December is all about, that is NOT what Christmas is all about. Linus knew that there wasn't anything else that would answer Charlie Brown's question.
As I listen to what my sons talk about when they come home from school, I am glad they are learning about diversity and tolerance. I truly am not bothered that Caleb learned "The Dreidel Song" in fourth grade. But if someone asks me what Christmas is really all about, there really is only one answer.
Thank God for Charlie Brown!