Right about now Jewish newspapers, magazines, online blogs and even synagogue sermons are addressing the recurring theme of the ‘December Dilemma.’ That phrase refers to the sense of alienation many Jewish people feel in the midst of a culture that makes so much of Christmas. Not only do many feel out of step or excluded, but they also struggle in their relationships with their children-many of whom don’t understand why they can’t celebrate with their non-Jewish friends.
Some elevate Hanukkah as an attempt to address this problem. But the attraction of Christmas with its beautiful lights, catchy tunes, office parties, gift-giving and Santa celebrations still presents a challenge for many Jews.
For others, there is no dilemma as they have chosen to enter into a kind of Christless Christmas - a celebration with all of the decorations and gift-giving but none of the spiritual meaning. A secular celebration of Christmas presents no problem for them or their children so why not enter in?
As followers of Jesus, we have our own December Dilemma; we often find ourselves at odds with the culture, attitudes, morals and religious sentiments that surround us. Our society is known for being pluralistic, yet many misuse that term to make it increasingly uncomfortable (and in some cases, illegal) for Christians to participate publicly in long held traditions.
But there is a silver lining in all of this; Christians can learn something from Jewish people who take seriously the ‘December Dilemma.’ At this time of year, they must think through their priorities and principles, discerning what is genuinely important for them and their families. The decision to avoid involvement in all the celebratory activities of the Christmas season is a choice that costs these Jewish people something, but it reflects a loyalty, a commitment that is admirable.
Now of course I wish that more Jewish people would see that Christmas truly is a Jewish holiday celebrating the birth of the greatest Jew of all, the Messiah Y’shua. But in the absence of that revelation, I have to say I respect Jewish people who weigh the issues, consider the cost and choose to abstain from any Christmas celebration rather than imbibe the secular spirit of the holiday.
Such serious reflection may be helpful for followers of Jesus as well. Does the secularization of Christmas create in us feelings of alienation? I hope so. Will our loyalty to Jesus cause us to seriously consider how we enter into the celebration of Christmas in our communities, in our churches, in our homes? It should.
For those of us who truly love the Lord, it seems to me that our hearts should be grieved at how Christ-less Christmas has become, its meaning smothered and the beauty of the Saviour’s birth tarnished beneath layers of commercialism and every kind of excess. Those who choose to celebrate Christmas, even amidst the secular symphony of syncretism that is our surrounding culture, have to work hard to emphasise the Christ of Christmas, and to ponder anew the real meaning of our Saviour’s birth.
There are many ways we can respond to the secularization that is all around us this Christmas. Let’s not be too quick to ignore the sense of alienation. Let’s use that dilemma to energize us to reflect more deeply, to speak more boldly and worship more reverently the Christ of Christmas.
Amen
