Heartless

Dissipation, Drunkenness, and Doubts

Finding Christ Amidst the Holiday Chaos

 A Modern Reminder from Ancient Roots

"Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with dissipation, drunkenness, and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you unexpectedly like a trap." — Luke 21:34

Walking through the mall with my family, we came across a young man selling olive wood carvings of various themes from the Bible. Prominent among them were manger scenes in different varieties, along with representations of the Last Supper, Christ on the cross, and the Good Shepherd with a lamb around his shoulders. Displayed on the roof of his cart was a small board that read "Bethlehem Christian Families."

He shared that this olive art tradition had been handed down from father to son since the 12th century. The designs showcased were the workmanship of over 85 families, crafted from olive trees that were over 700 years old. 

A Symbolic Encounter

We were captivated by the designs, especially knowing they were from olive trees grown in the Holy Land for thousands of years. The religious significance of these carvings, made from the evergreen olive tree—a symbol of peace and beauty, and possibly the wood used to crucify Christ—compelled us to invest in a manger scene mounted on a lazy Susan with a music box attached. We hoped it would entertain our one-year-old and serve as a poignant reminder of the true essence of Christmas.

In this "Temple of Commerce," amidst long lines of families waiting to photograph with Santa and shoppers eager to purchase from stores like Sears, Macy’s, and J.C. Penney, we found ourselves drawn to this humble carpenter with his pushcart from Bethlehem. It was a moment that stirred memories of a long-ago night in Bethlehem when the Christ child was born. This encounter brought the living presence of Christ into our lives, filling us with hope that one day we will be with Him.

Turning to Christ Amidst the Chaos

As the season of feasting, acquiring, and indulgence sets upon us, let us remember to turn to Christ. When we are consumed with dining, acquiring, achieving, and drinking, we often neglect time for God. Christ calls us to be vigilant, reminding us that He is present where He is invited. He is among the poor, the lonely, the sick, and the forgotten—those who have time for Christ.

Do you know anyone in dire need? If not, seek out someone stricken by poverty, death, or illness and reach out to them during this Christmas season with your presents or your presence.

Living the Message

The hustle and bustle of modern Christmas celebrations can weigh down our hearts with dissipation and drunkenness, leading us away from the true meaning of the season. But, as Luke 21:34 warns, this can close in on us unexpectedly like a trap.

In reflecting on the manger scene we purchased, we are reminded of the humble and profound beginnings of Christ. This season, let us not get lost in the superficial aspects of the holiday but instead find ways to reconnect with the essence of Christ’s message. Reach out to those in need, offer a kind word or deed, and embody the spirit of giving and love that Christ exemplified.

By doing so, we not only honor the true meaning of Christmas but also bring the living presence of Christ into our world, offering hope and light in a time that can often feel overwhelming and materialistic. Let us celebrate with hearts full of gratitude and compassion, remembering that Christ is present where He is invited to be.

Christmas is also a time to remember the joy and reverence felt by Mary, Joseph, the shepherds, the angels, and the Wise Men from the East. These figures, who came to worship and honor the birth of Jesus, exemplify the true spirit of Christmas.

As Isaiah 9:6 proclaims, "For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace."

This Christmas, let us reflect on the humble beginnings of Jesus, the true meaning of the holiday, and strive to embody the love, generosity, and humility that Christ taught us.