What In Tarnation?!?!? In the Classroom

December is a busy for most people I know. Along with Christmas comes a huge laundry list of things to do, buy, and make. Christmas heightens emotions well past where they are normally. Good emotions are increased and emotions that we would rater not have are increased in the same way. This time of year can be strain on everyone.

In going through this season of heightened everything, I have been wondering why. Why do we do this every year? Is it good for us? Does it have to be this way?

What is the meaning of Christmas? When you strip away all of this other stuff, what do you have? What has been covered up all kinds of commercialism? Charlie Brown asks, “Isn’t there anyone who knows what Christmas is all about?” He has a good question.

I love Linus’ reply when he quotes from Luke 2:8-14:

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

And the angel said unto them,

Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

So now I have an assignment for you. What does Christmas mean to you? Not all the hustle and bustle stuff that makes us stressed out, but what is at the heart of Christmas? You can leave your reply in the comments, leave an address to your answer in the comments, or you can leave a trackback ping so I can read your answer. I’m just curious.

Thanks.

Class dismissed! Don’t forget to do your homework!