Christmas is that one day of the Church Year when Christians focus upon the fact that the Word became flesh and dwelt among us. The particular date of the Savior’s birth is far less important than the fact. We are perfectly free to coopt every pagan tradition and every substance in honor and celebration of the Christ, the crucified and risen One, who for our sakes came down to redeem all flesh from sin and death, because it is the Creator of all Who saw fit to make peace though the atoning blood of this Flesh like ours.
Far be it from me to let atheists and pagans tell me how to celebrate Christmas, whether it means spending or not. Rudolph, Santa Claus, Christmas trees, lights, mistletoe, joy, feasting: bring it! Bring it all!!
At the same time, I happily respect another Christian’s decision to treat they day like any other, because in Christ all of creation and all of history is made right despite ourselves, and the devil’s hoards are sent fleeing while all believers rejoice in sweet, eternal victory.
Amen, Fester!
Deuteronomy 12:30 Take heed to thyself that thou be not snared by following them, after that they be destroyed from before thee; and that thou enquire not after their gods, saying, How did these nations serve their gods? even so will I do likewise. 31 Thou shalt not do so unto the LORD thy God