You may have been part of this debate. I am sure you have an opinion. You may have expressed your thoughts to a friend, a co-worker, or a neighbor. We are in the middle of this debate at my house. When is the correct time to decorate for Christmas? Should one wait till after Thanksgiving to hang the lights and decorate the tree? Some think that November 1st is an appropriate time to deck the halls. Many department stores put their Christmas Decorations out long before that. One radio station in Oklahoma City has already switched to playing Christmas music. No matter where you come down on this debate, Christmas is on the way.
Why are people so opinionated about the timing of Christmas decorations? I would like to offer two thoughts.
First, Thanksgiving is important. The Thanksgiving holiday is significant. Every year, family and friends gather around the table to give thanks and offer their gratitude to God. We have so much to be thankful for and it is appropriate to stop, in the middle of this busy season, and give thanks. The Apostle Paul wrote about how important that act of thanksgiving is for a people of faith. He wrote, “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18) Many people feel that it is important to keep the Christmas lights off until after Thanksgiving. Perhaps it is a recognition that we must be intentional about our practice of giving thanks?
Secondly, Advent/Christmas is a season of hope. In the middle of winter’s darkness, the light of Christ’s love shines brightly. Many people like to turn on their Christmas lights in recognition that the cold and dreary season is no match for the bright hope and joy that comes with the arrival of Christ in our world. The Disciple John would write, “In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” (John 1:4-5) Those who wish to start decorating for Christmas early simply want to highlight the hope that is available to us all.
I am not sure I have the correct answer to this debate, although my wife is winning so far. It is important and necessary to give thanks. We must also look to the bright light of Christmas to have hope. It is a fun argument. The best part about it is, you really can’t go wrong. Give thanks and look forward to the arrival of the King of kings.
– Rev. Keith King, Pastor of Worship
