Honest Imperfect Christmas

Emilee Danielson -

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Gramster Rant: Releasing Holiday Pressure

As Christmas approaches with all its hustle and bustle, perhaps it's time to slow down and release the pressure we put on ourselves. We spend excessive time, money, and energy trying to make everything perfect – from meticulous menu planning to spotless baseboards. Both women and men exhaust themselves seeking the perfect gifts while managing high expectations and long travels.

Interestingly, many of our most cherished Christmas traditions emerged from imperfect circumstances. Take St. Nicholas – a tough but compassionate early church leader who cared for the needy during difficult times. The tradition of mistletoe began as a signal of safety between travelers avoiding highway bandits. Even beloved carols like "Silent Night" arose from challenging situations – written when church flooding damaged an organ, forcing innovation with guitar accompaniment.

"I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day" came from Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's profound grief after losing his wife tragically and witnessing the devastation of the Civil War. Yet through his despair, he found renewed hope in God's faithfulness.

Even the original Christmas story wasn't picture-perfect. Mary faced potential death for unwed pregnancy. Joseph wrestled with betrayal before choosing mercy. They made a dangerous journey while carrying the most controversial message – that this child was God Himself.

So why do we stress ourselves trying to make our celebration more perfect than what God has already orchestrated? This season comes with enough pressure without adding unrealistic expectations. Let the events unfold naturally and enjoy them for what they are. After all, the miracle we celebrate can't be topped anyway.

Salvaged by God Teaching: The Power of Honesty

In a culture increasingly hungry for truth, honesty must start with accepting our sinful nature and inability to save ourselves. Bible sales are booming in 2024, up 22% largely from first-time buyers seeking hope amid rising anxiety. This surge reflects people's weariness with deception and desire for authentic truth.

Looking at 1 John 1, we find crucial insights about honesty:

  • If we claim fellowship with God while walking in darkness, we lie
  • Walking in light enables true fellowship and cleansing
  • Denying our sin makes us self-deceived
  • Confession brings faithful forgiveness
  • Claiming sinlessness makes God a liar

The Christian walk isn't about perfection but consistent progress. As one poet noted: "The secret is there is no secret. It's consistency over intensity, progress over perfection, fundamentals over fads." This wisdom particularly applies to those seeking to profess Christ in such times as these.

Right On or Way Off?

"I believe in the separation of church and state as a Christian because I know the history of Christianity and the tremendous harm caused when the church crawls into bed with the empire."

WAY OFF!

This statement by Benjamin Ker contains multiple flaws:

  • Falsely assumes government equals evil
  • Ignores Proverbs 29:2 about righteous authority
  • Overlooks current global persecution of Christians
  • Disregards the devastating effects of atheistic governments
  • Promotes revisionist history while enabling anti-Christian sentiment

Christians should influence government while maintaining Christ as ultimate authority. The concept of complete separation was a 1960s Supreme Court invention, not constitutional intent. The founders envisioned moral people serving as a check on government power.

True Christianity, rightly divided and discerned, remains vital for leadership and cultural influence – not something to be separated and silenced.