As Christmas approaches, there is a noticeable shift in how many Americans perceive and celebrate the holiday. While it was once a time steeped in religious significance, it now often resembles more of a grand commercial spectacle than a sacred occasion. Bishop Robert Baron, known widely for his outreach and teachings through various media, emphasizes a need to recover the true religious heart of Christmas, advocating for a return to the meaningful, faith-driven traditions that once defined this cherished celebration.
The bishop points out a stark trend in recent years: many more people attend Christmas Eve mass than the actual Christmas Day service. This observation raises essential questions about priorities and the essence of Christmas. Shouldn’t Christmas Day be the focal point of our celebrations? It is on this day that Christians commemorate the miraculous incarnation of Jesus Christ—an event pivotal not just for their faith, but crucially for understanding human history itself. The promise that the divine took on human form is, after all, a monumental concept that deserves acknowledgment on the day it occurred, not merely the evening prior.
Advent, the period leading up to Christmas, offers an opportunity for reflection and preparation for this momentous day. It serves as a time to look back at the birth of Christ, be present in the here and now, and anticipate His promised return. This season brings together past, present, and future, encouraging believers to immerse themselves in the full scope of what Christmas represents. When one considers that history is not just a series of random events but is heading toward a purpose—marked by the first and second comings of Christ—it can truly reshape how Christmas is viewed and celebrated.
Amidst the festive chaos, the bishop highlights another significant point: the bond between Christians and Jews in America. As the secular left pushes an anti-religious agenda, these two communities have often stood together, united in preserving religious liberties and shared values. The International Fellowship of Christians and Jews exemplifies this collaboration, actively working to support vulnerable Jewish families and communities around the globe. This partnership demonstrates a shared commitment to faith and service, reminding everyone of the values that unite rather than divide.
In the context of the current cultural landscape, with holidays like Hanukkah gaining prominence alongside Christmas, there is a unique opportunity for increased interfaith respect and understanding. The celebration of Hanukkah, while not as significant as some other Jewish holidays, has gained traction, particularly when juxtaposed with the grandeur of Christmas. The narrative of rededication associated with Hanukkah resonates deeply with Christians as they reflect on the birth of Christ and the metaphorical rededication of their faith during Advent.
Ultimately, the core message of Christmas remains steadfast: the light has come into the darkness, and the promise of hope and salvation is renewed each year. Regardless of the chaos surrounding the holiday season, Christians and those of various faiths are invited to rekindle their commitment to these timeless tenets. By prioritizing the act of worship and community, they can reclaim the essence of Christmas, ensuring that it is not lost to commercialism but remains a meaningful celebration of faith, hope, and love. As Bishop Baron urges, let us not only remember the reason for the season but fully embrace it, allowing the light to pierce through the shadows of a tumultuous world.
