Why We Really Need Christmas This Year!

Let's face it! After this election there is a lot of tension, division and mistrust in our culture, in our communities and in our country right now.

On the political front, we are so divided! More divided than I have ever witnessed in my lifetime. We negatively label each other as Democrats, Republicans, Socialists or Libertarians. We are stereotyped as liberals or conservatives or moderates. It seems we have a hard time having civil conversations about things that matter deeply to us. This isn't just happening in Washington DC. It's happening right here at home with our own friends, co-workers, fellow church members and within our families too. The whole country seems fractioned about a great many things not to mention our current political state of affairs as well as the future direction of our great nation.

On social media, we are quick to post our views and formulate our opinions based on the very limited information we may have on any given subject. We like or dislike, we friend and unfriend, we tweet or post. We spend on average two hours and 24 minutes per day on social media. Some of it is great for staying in touch with our "friends", but I wonder how much of it is all about sharing with the world our political viewpoints, how "great" our life is or comparing ourselves with others and how "blessed" they are.

The world has two major military conflicts happening in Europe and the Middle East. In many US cities and communities, gun violence and criminal activity is a daily concern. We talk about the different sides of town and socioeconomic and racial division. Young girls are being kidnapped and sold into sexual slavery right here in our own state. Atlanta International Airport is one of the biggest hubs (#2 in the world) for sex trafficking. Did you know that I-20 is considered a sex trafficking super highway running right through our state?

Even in my own Methodist world in recent months and years, we have been in the midst of a culture war over biblical world views, the authority of scripture, interpretations of the Bible, the definition of marriage and issues of human sexuality. Please pray for those of us in the Global Methodist Church as we launch and establish this new movement of Methodism and set a bright new course for the future!

Yes, with the troubled state of the world, our unsettled country after the election and the political divisions that still remain, we really need Christmas this year more than ever! My Pastor friend, Shane Bishop, wrote a blog a while back that sparked my interest as he was voicing the frustrations of many of us and the need for Christmas. He writes:

" I am so ready for the holidays this year... I am especially excited about Christmas. I need Christmas this year. Peace on earth. Goodwill to Men. Christmas Eve services. Angels. Shepherds. Mary. Joseph. Baby Jesus. Hark the Herald! Joy to the World! That kind of stuff. That is exactly what I need.

As we enter the "most wonderful time of the year" don't forget to say a prayer for healing and peace....and for God to raise up healers and peacemakers. And don't be so glued to this earth that you neglect to look up. Look up and see the Christmas star blazing in the night sky and angels announcing to our troubled world that Christ is born...born in you and in me!

Peace dear friends and don't give in to hopelessness, fear and despair. God has this. God has you. You are of value, you matter and you are loved. And most of all, remember that there is hope in Christ. Always has been. Always will be. Hope is the one thing Christmas refuses to allow us to forget...."

Yes. I really need Christmas this year! How about you?

So, what are we going to do about it?

Here are some ideas: Take time to enjoy and appreciate your family gatherings. Take advantage of all the Christmas services, events, plays, parties and concerts. Avail ourselves of the Christmas Eve services, the manger scenes, the children's Christmas programs, the Christmas lights and the great Christmas season music. Read the Christmas stories in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke.

We really need Christmas this year!

In fact, the whole world really needs Christmas this year!

I know I do. I suspect you do too.

Merry Christmas!

THE VIEWS OF SUBMITTED EDITORIALS MAY NOT BE THE EXPRESS VIEWS OF THE ALABAMA GAZETTE.