Signs of the Times

J. W. Mellick

Wellington Enterprise

Rev. J. W. Mellick in the Wellington Enterprise Wellington, Ohio

If we pause to honestly survey our attitudes, ideas, and actions at the Christmas season, how consistent are they when viewed in the light of the true meaning of Christmas?

It would seem consistent at Christmas to honor Christ [Jesus] as the "adult Christ" rather than limiting Him to the manger. Certainly He is due as much honor as some national hero like Lincoln. We don't limit him to speaking of him merely as "baby Lincoln ' born in a log cabin! ...

Why do we keep Him wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in the manger? Do we fear to face the "whole" Christ? Doesn't the truth-teaching, miracle-working, crucified, risen, ascended ... Christ make for an easy conscience in the typical Christmas celebrating?

To have a Christmas with an "infant only" confronting one's inconsistent activities eases the situation more than being constantly confronted with the accomplishments of the great "spiritual Emancipator" of Whom it was said, "He shall save His people from their sins." ... The occupied manger and the empty tomb go together. The first is meaningless without, the second. ...

A second consistency, to better the Christmas season, would be the restoration of Christ to central place. That is, to have his "throne" restored; to have it rescued from the mythical, rotund figure who has usurped it. Was "Santa" announced of angels, and visited by shepherds and wise men? Was it said of him, "Unto you is born... a Saviour?" ... Our idea of this situation will be according to our evaluation and appraisal of Christ and His purpose in coming.

We wonder just what twist of mind and depraved judgment warrants celebrating "with" sin the birth of the One who came to save "from" sin and suffered to do so? ... To combine alcohol with Advent, is a thing incredible! ...

Thousands "break over" against their better judgment to so "carry on" at the Christmas season. They "beat down" and hush a protesting conscience that they may "celebrate with the gang." They know better, but are under the binding "spell" of desired popularity. They seem too little to stand alone for the sake of principle. It should be said here that the Christ of Christmas has the gift of strength for those who want it, and the finest Christmas gift anyone can give himself is a clean, clear, conscience in the knowledge that we have done that which we know to be right!

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December 13, 1958

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