GOSPELGRAM
 

Keeping the Christ in Christmas.

A familiar lament of the Christian world is that the meaning of Christmas has dramatically diminished over the years.

One reason is that Christmas is coupled with the for-profit world of commerce which does not promote the religious theme of Christmas. There may be words like peace, rejoice, good will, frankincense, and myrrh, but the intent is how quickly the next sale can be made.

Another is the diversity of America. Among the different races, nationalities, ethnicities, and cultural practices that exist, there is no focus on a single religious Christmas experience. Each group celebrates within its cultural norms and includes varied religious practices.  Christmas in the American Judeo/Christian culture is now one of many.

While “keeping Christ in Christmas” seems to be lost, “Christ” is present as it always has been. In truth the “Christ” is not Jesus. The “Christ” is the spiritual dimension of each person, the great discovery of Jesus and what he, the man Jesus, taught. We all can discover the “Christ” of ourselves - and so it continues from one person to another.

Wherever a man, woman, or child goes, there is the “Christ!” We carry the “Christ” within. While some know it, others continue to search their way out of the woods to the light.

The behavior of people who believe in the spiritual dimension of themselves is expressed in colorful decorations representing the light. Gifts, too, are a reminder of the wise men who brought gifts to the baby Jesus as a symbol of this notable person. The glitter, the gold, the lights - all reminders to give birth to the “Christ” presence in us once again. 

Keep your expression of the Christ Presence this Christmas.

Rev. Carol J. Hunt, Minister

Unity In Harlem

Harlem Center for Practical Christianity Inc.
 

This GOSPELGRAM is brought to you from Unity In Harlem and will appear twice-a-month for the immediate future.