I can’t stand the popular depictions of angels in art, classy or kitchy. Whenever angels appear in Scripture, unless they’re in the form of a man, they’re terribly frightening. They nearly always had to introduce themselves with, "Be not afraid" or something similar. They are not beautiful women or hunky men with wings. Nor are they Cupid look-alikes. Got that?!?
Here endeth the lesson.
Open Book reminded me about an article I read quite a while ago. It’s written by a woman who went to Fr. Bill Hausen‘s heretical church but came back to the True Church.
Christmas has always been my favorite holiday. I get so excited that I start listening
to my Christmas music at the beginning of November, much to the surprise and chagrin
of some of my loved ones. This year, I’ve been asking myself what I’ve been getting
excited about. Is it the celebration of Christ’s birth? I wish I could say so, but
the truth is that I’ve been enamored with the secular trappings of the season. Decorating
the Christmas tree, baking cookies, singing catchy tunes, visiting relatives, watching
classic movies, giving and receiving gifts (sadly, mostly the latter), playing in
the snow (in those few lucky winters), and other generally faith-free activities
have been Christmas’ raison d’etre for me.
I recently finished a great book that I heartily recommend to my Evangelical and apologetic Catholic readers.
Born Fundamentalist, Born Again Catholic by David B. Currie
I’ve started reading another good one.
On Being Catholic by Thomas Howard
Whereas the first speaks more directly and personally to fundamentalists/Evangelicals, the second is more "intellectual" in nature. I find Howard’s sophisticated style of argument more appealing and accessible than Currie’s casual style and I’m anxious to find more time to continue reading. Those Evangelicals interested in exploring Catholicism and Catholics interested in attracting Evangelical friends or family members to the Church would be served well by both books.
Miracle on 34th Street endeared Macy’s to celebrators of Christmas, at least
the secular holiday.
Now, Macy’s is saying “bah humbug” by refusing to use the phrase “Merry
Christmas” in their advertisements and store displays.
It doesn’t bother me too much that Macy’s won’t acknowledge Christmas. I don’t expect
a secular organization to do so, especially in today’s litigious society. What bothers
me is the rampant consumerism among Christians.
Companies like Macy’s shouldn’t be making millions of dollars off this or any holiday.
The gift-giving at Christmas has gotten way out of control. Christians are far too
greedy and attached to the “things” of this world. I understand the importance
of expressing our love and appreciation for friends, family, and neighbors, but
I think Christians could find better ways to spend money at Christmas. Remember
Matthew 25? There are many who are hungry, thirsty, naked, sick, imprisoned, and/or
lonely. The millions we waste on frivolities could be used to help them. Christ
calls us to give until it hurts. This is unlikely to go over well with some people,
but Jesus knew that when he told us that we must hate our families to follow Him.
There are countless other verses from Scripture that I’m sure you know that call
followers of Christ to reject the impermanent things of this world and embrace the
permanence of the Lord’s kingdom.
In past years I’ve given out the typical toys, gadets, etc that one expects for
Christmas, but this year will be different. I’ve been feeling increasingly convicted
to live more simply and give more to those who have less. My gifts this year will
start to reflect this conviction. I will only be purchasing gifts that are needful
to my friends and loved ones. Next year, I hope to make gifts and/or donate to charities
in others’ names. It won’t be easy, because I’m a selfish, sinful person, but I
really want to get away from greedy consumerism. I really think all Christians need
to think more carefully about why they go into debt every year buying wants when
so many go without needs.
The tile of this post, by the way, refers to a song by Stan Freberg. Read the lyrics
here.