It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year?

It is Sunday, November 20, 2011.  As I walked out my front door this morning, I picked up the newspaper.  What I could read through the bag said, “Holiday Countdown Inspiration.”  I shook my head, and added this to the list of ways Christmas comes too early.

The first time I heard someone talk about Christmas coming too early, it was probably some stressed-out woman, fretting about getting all her shopping, baking and card-mailing done.  And all the other women around probably nodded their heads in agreement.  Gone were the days when we sang with the Chipmunks, “Hurry Christmas, hurry fast…”  Because, as little kids, the days leading up to December 25^th were interminable, but as grown-up responsibilities started filling those December days, Christmas came too fast.

That’s not what I’m talking about, though.  I am saying that, these days, Christmas comes early, literally.  It’s the local radio station that started playing holiday music on November 1^st.  Remember when radio stations started after Thanksgiving? Or limited it to the weekends?  Now “It’s a Marshmallow World” while the trees still have their leaves and “Baby, It’s Cold Outside”—even if it’s still 70 degrees.  It’s the neighbor who transitions seamlessly from Halloween decorations to Christmas.  It’s the Christmas lights for sale at the end of the Halloween candy aisle.  It’s the Salvation Army bell ringing on November 18^th.

So I have to wonder, why is this happening?  What does it say about our society?

I believe the early Christmas syndrome is a symptom of our nation’s outlook.  Times are tough.  Money is tight, unemployment is high, and foreclosure is a part of daily conversation.  We need a reason to be happy, we need something to rally around—you might say we need a little Christmas, right this very minute.  What better source of happy escape than Christmas?  Who doesn’t love the movies, the songs, the twinkling lights, the baked goods?

To that end, I believe that this year a lot of brands are selling joy.  McDonald’s food promises comfort and joy.  Sears assures that giving gifts will give joy.  Target will sell you a joy t-shirt and put a smile on your face.  People want to be happy, and stores are happy to sell them the chance. 

On the surface, it doesn’t seem like such a bad idea.  We’re being encouraged to be kind to others, to give them thoughtful gifts—there’s nothing wrong with these things! It’s as if society is aiming for the right target, but going past it, or coming up short. 

The real source of joy is Jesus.  He is the source of hope and stability, but instead, we’re putting our hope in Christmas.  We’re excited about Christmas, but we’re missing out on the One who really came and who really brings comfort and joy.  We miss Him when we make Christmas about nostalgia and being kind.  We miss Him amid the pressure of getting to concerts and baking bread for the kids’ teachers.

The problem of Christmas coming early is that it makes us rest our hopes on one day.  A day that ends with all the beautiful wrapping paper outside in a trash can.  No day can bear the weight of all our wishes and needs.  But, “the hopes and fears of all the years” were met by One who came to Bethlehem.  If He’s truly the focus of our celebration, then our joy won’t be limited to one day, or a couple months—our joy will be eternal.