Early Christmas

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In our household,  Christmas decorations, music, and movies start the day after Thanksgiving... and not a moment before.

Although, I must confess, last Christmas we had family here for Thanksgiving, and I decided to decorate for Christmas before they arrived so that they all could see our Christmas decorations.

Our rules are not hard and fast... but general, and flexible when need be.  The heart behind the rule, however, is to make the most of the Christmas season during the month of December so that the excitement, joy, and holiday celebration is not diminished by having it start too soon.

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All of that being said, I do not get offended or upset when I see stores, towns, and families start the Christmas celebration early.

I have a theory that the reason the world is so obsessed with Christmas is found in Luke 19:40 -- "I tell you," he replied, "if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out."

EVERYONE celebrates something at Christmas time... so much so that there is even an official name for someone who does not embrace the holiday spirit -- Scrooge.  Jewish people celebrate Hanukkah at the same time as Christmas.  Schools are closed over the Christmas Holiday.  Governments shut down.  People who are not Christians celebrate Santa Claus, or time with family, or time off school -- I don't even know what they "celebrate," but they come together, exchange gifts and celebrate something.

I think the entire world cannot contain their desire to celebrate when commemorating the gift of God's Son, our Savior, coming into this world.  What a To-Do the world made when Prince William and Princess Kate gave birth to Crown Prince George -- and we're talking about the commemoration of the birth of the King of the World!!!!

I think people want to celebrate Christmas earlier and earlier because they can't help it --
"I tell you, if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out."  Heading into the Christmas season, humans, God's children HAVE to decorate, sing, give, bake, prepare, CELEBRATE -- they cannot help it.

The celebration of our SAVIOR coming into the world is coming.  Emmanuel, God With Us, Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace is coming!  Knowing this, how can we not start the celebration a little early?