Christmas Present

Religion seems to have overtaken the holidays this year. It seems everybody has a stand to take, with the real reason for the season getting lost somewhere in the process.

You can learn a lot from watching television. For instance last night I watched an episode of Girlfriends. In this particular episode Toni and Todd are trying to come to terms with what religion they want to raise Morgan (their baby girl) in. Toni comes from a strongly Christian family, Todd, a very decidedly Jewish one. They appear to be on their way to working out an amicable solution until their bossy, domineering Mothers step in. Each determined that her grandchild will be raised in the proper religion. Neither Mother has any regard for what their child wants nor any respect or consideration for the others religion. What they end up with is a family torn apart by the selfish action of two women who each thinks she knows best. Nobody wins.

If you really want to get an idea of what a real Christian family might be like try catching an episode of 7th Heaven. Last night show had me in tears, more than once. The love and generosity in spirit of the Camdens is a shining example of how all Christians should strive to live. From their willingness to reach out to anyone, regardless of race, religion, or social standing, to their faith in God, this family doesn't just talk the talk, they walk the walk.
If you, like many have unanswered questions about how to reconcile the 'Santa' part of Christmas with the 'Christ' part then last nights episode is a must see. I've never seen it explained so well and with such passion and honesty as Eric Camden did when he explained it to his six year old twin sons. Oh, and guess what, the Camdens managed to get lots of "Merry Christmas's" and "Happy Holiday's" into that one hour show. Just another example of how love and acceptance really are the true spirit of Christmas.