Have it Your Way

Many years ago now, a major hamburger chain began an advertising campaign to gain the attention of prospective customers. "Have it your way..." came into existence as the public cheered this brave idea of customers having exactly what they wanted. "It's about time!", Americans clamoured. At the time, instant everything was weaving its way into the fabric of American culture. Unfortunatley, the marketing of convenience has an unmistakeable down side. Today, convenience is considered the norm, expected, even demanded. A once grateful public has turned on the commercial hand giving it options. Why? Everyone gives options now. Even more concerning, side effects from our thirst for convenience has shown up in our nation's basic understanding of God. What? There's no microwave prayer and instantanteous Godly feedback? Something must be wrong! That's not who I think God is. Let's move on. So the story is spun and the discussion settles on who's to blame for the misunderstanding. So much for peace on earth, good will to men. Wherever you are on the continuum of Christ in Christmas, the bottom line remains. God simply does not yield to demands. He never has and He never will. "Have it your way..." religion, doesn't work with God. So if you're looking for Him, another route must be taken. Oh, He still hears and answers contrite prayer. That's His way. He hears the cries of those bowing to His holiness and standing on His word. That's His way. But, arrogant demands, or religion as "I" see it (regardless of what the Bible says) has never, and will never work with God. So if you want to be fulfilled during the holidays, but prefer to leave Christ out of Christmas - prepare for some disappointment. However, the encouraging word is, He can still be found. Obviously, this is an old argument. Nothing new here, except for maybe one thing. Are the demands of this present culture a little more stark, even blatant, this year than previous years? Does it appear that American assumptions are coming back to haunt us, like the ghosts of Christmas past? Is Christmas really only about family and friends, Santa's gifts and eating? Is it all about us... or is it about Him? It's our holiday. I guess we can define it however we want, as many have done. But if I'm not mistaken, our heritage has never (until recently)left Christ out of Christmas. That's like leaving a baseball out of the game of baseball. Or apples out of apple pie. Is it possible? Obviously (to me) it isn't. It's interesting, a special holiday for the Christmas celebration isn't mentioned in God's word. But when it comes to defining what December 25th is all about, I don't wish to celebrate Christmas without Christ as many suggest. No, thank you. And I say that without malice. I would rather He be at the center of my celebration (that is if we now have the option of choosing). Anything less, and I feel like singing "Where are you Christmas?" with Cindy Lou Who. May God bless you with what can only come from Him during this Christmas season.
- Tim Covert

Tags: Christian, Devotional