In the DeSilva home, Christmas comes early—but with different expectations and attitudes. By the end of November, Michelle wants the house decorated, the Christmas tree up, and the front-lawn nativity scene displayed and lit. It is interesting how culture and environment play an important role in how we celebrate Christmas.
Michelle was born in Toronto. As a child, she regularly attended the Santa Claus Parade on Bloor Street and always experienced a white, snowy Christmas. I, on the other hand, was born on a very small subtropical island, where Christmas was always green—blue skies, sandy beaches, and a very different kind of “snow.” Michelle approaches Christmas with expectation and excitement, while I tend to have a more relaxed attitude, gradually warming up to the festive season.
The response to Christmas in the Adventist Church mirrors the DeSilva home to a degree. As a result, Christmas has become something of a war zone in many congregations. I can remember one of my first churches, where there was a committed, involved, and faithful member from a cold-weather background who poured her heart into decorating the church for the holiday season—only to be cruelly criticized and condemned for her efforts by warm-weather Adventists.
It is deeply sad that at times we can become so hurtful toward one another when we fail to treasure mercy, compassion, and understanding in our hearts, choosing instead a spirit of “bah humbug” toward anything Christmas-related. Yet Christmas often reminds the unchurched community around us of the first advent of Christ. The story of Bethlehem can serve as an entry point—a wedge—to share the complete story of Jesus as our Savior, our Great High Priest, and our soon-coming King.
In the December edition of the Adventist Review, Anna Galeniece wrote an article entitled “Christ at the Center,” based on Ellen White’s views on Christmas. The article was eye-opening and informative. Many people use the writings of Ellen White to browbeat others regarding Christmas observance, but Sister White was balanced in her perspective on how the festive season should be approached. She emphasized three key principles:
- Preparing for Christmas
Ellen White encouraged using “an evergreen as a source of blessing rather than an object of idolatry or sin.”
Question: Are we making room under our trees to remember and bless others, recognizing that all blessings come from God? - Christmas Gifts
Ellen White advocated a balanced approach to gift-giving.
Question: Are we going into debt, and does our spending place a burden on our ability to remain financially faithful to God and generous toward others? - The Mission of Christmas
Ellen White emphasized that mission and service to others should be our primary focus.
With this final point, I offer a note of appreciation. Thank you, Willowdale Church family, for your support of the community service food and toy drive and the Women’s Ministry shoebox gifts for the women’s shelter in our local community. Despite our personal and church financial needs, we chose to think of others. Truly, giving is the reason for the season.
“We love because God first loved us.”
Maranatha
Pastor Glenn DeSilva