I just returned from a few days at Disneyland to celebrate my 50th Birthday. As we always do, Jan and I headed over to Knotts Berry Farm for a Chicken Dinner. After lunch we walked around their craft fair. At one point we stopped and listened to their carolers. They sang a few of the "secular" winter/Christmas songs but also did several songs about Jesus--right in the middle of Knotts Berry Farm. On the way there and back we listened to the COAST FM, playing all Christmas music. Many of the songs on this "secular" radio station were about Jesus.
At Disneyland the place was decked out with the trapppings of Christmas. While the cast members are always careful to say Happy Holidays, Jesus is all over the place in the music and reminders of the Christmas season.
Here at home KEZ FM plays Christmas music for 5-6 weeks, most of the songs about Jesus.
Many Christians complain that Christmas has gotten too commercial. Perhaps. But I say bring it on. For at least 4 weeks people are hearing about and thinking about Jesus through "secular" vehicles like radio, TV, Disneyland, and Knotts Berry Farm. That kind of witness for Jesus leaves me "gobsmaked" every year.
As the church we have the chance on advent weekends, and particularly on Christmas Eve, to re-interpret the story for hundreds and thousands who only attend church this time of year.
So maybe Christmas is a bit crass and commercialized. It's better than not talking about Jesus at all.
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