Christmas in America
What would happen if a stranger tried to find Christmas in America? What would they see? What would they hear? Read this story and find out what could happen:
Where’s the Christmas?
Be imitators of God as dear children,
And walk in love.
Ephesians 3:1-2 NKJV
A young man won a trip to America. “I have heard so much about this celebration of Christmas in America. I cannot wait to see for myself just what is so special about it,” he said to the friend who was seeing him off.
When the plane landed in a large metropolitan city, the man hailed a taxi. “I am here to see Christmas. Can you tell me what this Christmas is all about? Please take me to the places where I can find out more about it.”
The taxi driver gave him some suggestions, including the place where he might stay, then dropped him off downtown. A few days later, the man flew home and his friend picked him up at the airport. “Well, how was it? What did you see?”
The man frowned.
“I do not know why this holiday is so special. I saw people pushing, shoving, and cursing in long lines in department stores, buying expensive gifts–with money that would have fed a family for a month. I saw selfish children yelling at their parents and other adults fighting over a strange-looking toy. At another store, I saw people buying cases of liquor. I watched them later as they swaggered from parties in a drnken stupor. Cars honked, racing through the streets, as if traveling to a fire. I heard music playing–something about joy and peace–but there is more peace in our own country than what I saw there. So I returned home. I do not understand what is so special about this Christmas holiday.”
How difficult would it be for strangers to uncover the beauty of Christmas should they visit our homes or our cities? How long would they have to search before they discovered the true meaning of peace, good will toward men?1
¹Rebecca Barlow Jordan, “Where’s the Christmas,” Copyright 2000, Cook Communications Ministries, Christmas with God by Honor Books. Used with permission. May not be further reproduced. All rights reserved.
My Personal Prayer for You
Lord, thank You for Your precious gift of Jesus, our reason for Christmas. Help us to show others this year what Christmas really means–by our gifts, our actions, our words, and our lives. Help us be the Christmas lights that point others to Jesus this year–and every year.
Day-votedly His,
Rebecca
If a stranger asked you, “Where is Christmas in America?” what would you tell him?
