Interesting Thoughts on Christmas (A Post Christmas Blog)
I know, Christmas is over, but the conversations that led up to this post took place on December 26th. Please bear with me on this.
I work retail, I know you all have read that a ton of times. My neighbors at work are mostly Muslim, a few Jewish, and one Hindu. I am the only Christian that talks to them about religion and such. It is my belief that if we do not know what and how they personally believe, then we cannot witness to them.
Anyway, while at work on December 26th, I had some interesting and eye opening conversations. Every Muslim and Jew that I work near asked me how my Christmas was. I responded with “Wonderful, I got to visit with my parents, whom I only get to see twice a year. How was your day off?” Most of them work every day the mall is open. It is closed three days a year: Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas.
This got me to thinking. I did not ask any of my Jewish friends how their Hanukkah was. I only thought to ask one of my Muslim friends how her Eid al-Adha, was. Yet, they all asked me how my Christmas was. Yes, I knew the day(s) they were celebrating their holidays. Yet, it did not seem important to me to ask them.
So, one of my Christian friends comes by, while I am contemplating this and asks, “So, what did you get for Christmas?” This sent my thoughts into a spiral. The ONE person I spoke to that day, who was supposed to understand Christmas, was asking about my presents, while the ones who where not supposed to understand, where more interested in the day, itself.
Christmas is about more than the presents. Yes, the presents are nice, but it is about the greatest gift of all, God’s gift of His Son, to us, who died for our sins, so we could have fellowship with Him. I know my friends in the bloggy world understand this. I just had to share my thoughts and introspections.
God bless you all, and have a Happy and Blessed New Year! I pray that 2008 brings you joy and blessings.
December 31st, 2007 at 11:53 am
This is such a good post, Melly. I actually think it is so interesting that your Christian friend asked about presents - I wonder if maybe as Christians we can sometimes take it for granted that the day is about Jesus - take our faith for granted, our relationship with Christ, etc…Also, what a wonderful witnessing opportunity with the people of other faiths ask you about it - God seems to have placed you right in the thick of it!
Becki’s last blog post..Happy New Year!
December 31st, 2007 at 5:26 pm
Very interesting!!! Leaves us with a lot to think about. I’m going to repost this at my blog with a link back to you. Just let me know if you’d rather I took it off.
TK’s last blog post..Sweet
January 1st, 2008 at 6:59 am
TK, Posting it is fine.
Becki, the whole day, I was reeling. I did feel as though we take our faith for granted, at times. I know I do, but her question really sent me into an introspection.
I love my job. I love my work environment. I only wish the job met my family’s financial needs.
January 1st, 2008 at 11:06 pm
That is so sad, isn’t it? It’s embarrassing really. I do hope you’re well. Sorry I haven’t been around much. Maybe this year… hee hee.
WISHING YOU ALL THE BEST FOR THE NEW YEAR!
Liz (Looney Mom)’s last blog post..Update On Our Friend