"Christmas Lite"

During the season of Advent, the church has historically rehearsed the coming of Christ in their worship. Not only has she rejoiced over the incarnation but emphasized theological topics in anticipation of His coming. Each week of Advent has been devoted to themes such as a sin-ridden world of darkness, the bright Promise of a Redeemer, the longing of God's people for their Savior, and preparation for His coming through repentance. Such attention is well deserved. After all, the climax of human history occurred when the Word was made flesh and tabernacled among us. God was invading time and space in the Person of Jesus Christ, the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world. Such wondrous theological truths warrant our attention at all times, but traditionally, the church has used the "Christmas Season" as an opportunity to emphasize and remember these great truths as they relate to the historical reality of the Messiah's birth.

However, in recent history, the church has moved farther and farther away from this traditional observance of Christmas. With the abandonment of the rich and full theological considerations of Advent, Christmas has become less and less significant. Today, most people celebrate "Christmas Lite." As you can see from the spelling, I am not referring to "illumination" but the informal use of the word in commercial marketing. The word "lite" was coined by advertisers to identify products that are somehow substantially less than their full and complete counterparts. Lite versions of software are stripped of robust options and features. Lite foods carry significantly fewer calories or fat. Lite beer, as the commercial states, is intended to be considerably "less filling."

In our day most people have opted for a "less filling" Christmas. The meaning of Christmas has been diminished by the world and repackaged for a broader audience. The focus has shifted from God's redemptive purpose in the incarnation of the Word to the mere notion of a helpless little baby's birth. Christmas is portrayed as a sentimental scene. Here's how it goes:

A poor mother and father, rejected at the inn, are forced to give birth in a stable. The babe's rejection teaches us the need for universal acceptance and validation! Of course, the impoverished family wasn't alone. They were surrounded by cute and cuddly stable animals. It's enough to make PITA proud! Then there's the scene with shepherds watching adorable little lambs in fields. Suddenly a heavenly choir appears singing about peace on earth on and goodwill to men! God wants us to believe in ourselves. The babe in the manger teaches us that we can be better people.

.It's hard to find anything offensive in that. After all, that's what everyone wants, isn't it? The picture is all so happy and heartwarming. But the scene is theologically empty. There's no mention of humanity's sin. There's no reference to the fact that Christ came to bring judgment as well as salvation. It fails to appreciate God's terrifying holiness.

That's what I mean by Christmas Lite. The infant who was rejected by the people of the earth is their God and judge. Yes, He came as a babe but His appearance is no longer so unassuming. When John saw the glorified Savior, He had white hair, flaming eyes, a glowing face, feet like red-hot bronze and a voice like pounding waters. The Apostle, who had seen the risen Christ before His ascension, fainted dead away at the sight of the heavenly King (Rev 1:12-17). What's more, the angels that appeared to the shepherds were not a genteel boy's choir but a military legion. The message they brought was not one of universal tranquility but a promise of peace with God to those He grants His saving favor. Not everyone experienced grace and peace at His coming. Remember, Matthew tells us that Herod and all of Jerusalem were deeply disturbed by the news of His birth (Mat 2:3). Indeed, the scenes of Christmas are quite different than often portrayed.

Christmas has been stripped of its profound theological weightiness. When the world is no longer offended by the Gospel of God's salvation, you can rest assured that the message has either been gutted or perverted. Sinful people want joy without repentance, peace without redemption and glory without sacrifice. They only want to hear about happy things. So, while our observance of Advent should help us see the depravity of man and the glory of our Redeemer, Christmas has been retooled to espouse the depravity of guilt and the glory of man. Perhaps this isn't "Christmas Lite" after all. It's more like "Christmas Zero." It's not just "less filling," it's completely devoid of real significance. We shouldn't be surprised when the world misses the meaning of Christmas. But today, too many Christians celebrate the season just like the world. May God grant the church a recovery of the biblical truths of Advent. May He fill us with understanding concerning the events we remember this time of year. May we learn to celebrate a season of Advent worthy of true joy.

- Stan McGehee Jr