Christmas is for children

I look around at the decorations I have accumulated over the years. The green garland swagged along the ceiling's edge ( I do not put up a tree - with four cats, it would be rather stressful couple of weeks) is a reminder that life abounds in this world, at every level. The ornaments teach us the meaning of the celebration of the birth of Jehoshua, Jesus, the Messiah: The stars remind me of the star at Bethlehem which shone the way for the Magi. The angels remind me of the angelic hosts which announced his birth. The harps speak of the music of heaven, our true home. The beautifully crafted and sparkling orbs and shapes remind me of the riches the Magi brought to the child Jesus. Other ornaments: snowmen, teddy bears, fruit, and other sundry themes (I even have a lovely outhouse ornament) do not tell the story of Christmas, but have wedged their way into the story of the modern Christmas via clever marketing.

I have often heard said that Christmas is for children, meaning for the child of the family. This is a product of the capitalist agenda - to sell products.  This thought dilutes the true meaning of Christmas - to celebrate the memory and the life of a prophet and teacher whose message is true for every generation: If you seek happiness, joy and peace, learn to respect, to love, and to have compassion for one another (forgive as you want to be forgiven). We are all children of God - and if you do not become like a little child, you shall have difficulty entering into the kingdom of heaven, where the attitude of the moment is wonder and joy, thankfulness and praise.  So then, Christmas really IS for children - for us -  God's children.