Archive for Random Musings
Christmas May Not Come?
Posted by: | CommentsAround Christmas time, there are all sorts of Christians out there saying, “Don’t forget the reason for the season.” Probably so many of us are mentioning something along those lines that everyone gets a bit tired of it. Some may say in response, “Come on, really, we know what Christmas is all about. And can you please do without the cheesy rhyme?” Then they tread off to Church for the Christmas Eve service in order to remember the real reason for the season (A side note: when we were growing up, my brother and I used to call those who came to church only for Christmas Eve and Easter (the busiest church days no doubt), “Chrevesters”–no offense intended if you are one of them, but it is a funny memory for me).
And yet, I’m inclined to believe that very few families in America today really center their Christmas season on the birth of Jesus Christ (Christians included). For as I have been finding it, it is rather difficult to do. At the very least, it is something that takes effort. Take, for example, the last two Christmas specials I have watched with my kids. First, the classic, old-school ‘Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer.” Second, “Elmo’s Countdown to Christmas.”
I wouldn’t miss either one, but there was one, central common denominator to both shows that bothered me and, in my opinion, demanded explanation to my kids. The common denominator? That Christmas might not come unless….1) Rudolph saves the day with his red nose or 2) Mr. Ben Stiller Elf guy gets all the blocks for the countdown (it really was Ben Stiller and he was a funny elf in my opinion).
Most folks probably won’t think it is a very big deal, but there is a clear message being sent to everyone watching. And if you don’t think kids pick up on this message, you either don’t have them or don’t pay much attention to what they talk about most at Christmas. The clear message is that Christmas isn’t really about Jesus Christ, but (probably) about all the traditions we enjoy , especially the one about Santa bringing all sorts of gifts we get to open and enjoy.
They are only two examples, but as television serves as a reflection of where we are and where we will be, I think that if you watch your tv carefully, you will recognize that very few folks out there center their Christmas upon the birth of Jesus Christ. And if you think that only kids are affected, you are having difficulty seeing yourself. For though we adults might not get all warm and fuzzy over Santa, we do tend to celebrate Christmas for the Holiday’s sake, not Christ’s. Notice even the language we use, “Celebrating the Holiday.” How do you do that?
Some of you reading may not give a rip about what I just said, because you are content celebrating the holiday itself. That’s fine (in one sense). But for those of you who profess faith in Christ, I believe that what I just said is worth reflecting upon. Take a look at your traditions, your conversations, the general tenor and enthusiasm in your home. Then ask yourself: What are we really celebrating?
Drug Advertising
Posted by: | CommentsIf you watch any television at all, you have seen plenty of advertising for a host of different drugs. I just viewed one myself. Here’s the basic structure of the adds.
First, tell everyone how great your drug is and how it will solve all your problems (more or less).
Second, speak really fast as you tell the world all the possible side effects that could be yours if you take the drugs.
Third, spend a few more seconds trying to negate all that you said really fast and leave the world with a big smile.
That really is a fair summary of almost all of them. Having said that, may I ask, do you listen carefully to the fast talking and/or read the fine print? If you do, will you actually seriously ask your doctor about the drug?
I’m serious. After all, the commercial I just saw mentioned suicidal thoughts. And severe depression. And a host of other big and small things. I have to think that would lead most people to steer clear of whatever drug the pretty person is pushing.
And yet, the ads keep coming. So that leads me to believe that they are effective enough to justify their cost. What then does that say about us?
Comment Commentary
Posted by: | CommentsThe combination of the Internet and Tiger’s apparent admission of infidelity has enabled countless millions to actually voice their opinion on the matter– in relative anonymity, nonetheless (a very dangerous thing, no doubt). My beautiful wife has received numerous interesting ones (some she had to turn down actually). I am going to take a few days to address a few.
The first one I would like to address goes something like this (I am paraphrasing here): ”I am tired of reading about the transgressions of yet another sports star. And I am angry that I have ever paid a dime to any company sponsoring such a person, because they are unable to control themselves for the sake of their family and the greater human community. Tiger deserves whatever he gets in this instance because he messed up so bad.”
Here’s a few concerns I have with such a comment:
1) It reeks of self-righteousness and an ignorance of one’s own weaknesses.
You see that right? Underlying the comment (such a comment is often made by a man by the way), is shock that such a man could ever cheat on his wife and let down his children and fans in such a way. But if the person making the comment knew himself well enough, he would recognize that if he were placed in the same situation as the man he is criticizing, he would probably fall in exactly the same way…or worse.
Proverbs tells us that a haughty spirit goes before a fall. The person making this comment is rather haughty and better be careful before he falls. If we see ourselves clearly, we will recognize that no sin is beyond us. In particular to the men, if you were in the shoes of your favorite celebrity, with easy access to countless beautiful women, you should be honest with yourself to admit that you would have a very difficult time controlling yourself as well. Any man who doesn’t think so is the strongest candidate for a fall.
2) This comment is severely lacking in compassion.
This goes hand-in-hand with the first, because only the humble in heart can be compassionate. No doubt, all of us deserve much worse for our sins, but would you really like many of the things you have said and done in private to be plastered all over the news? And if you were unfaithful to your spouse, how would you feel if the entire world knew of it in intimate detail in a matter of moments?
It doesn’t matter who you are or where you come from, if you place yourself in the man’s shoes, you will have compassion. In a moment you will recognize that the money and the fame don’t matter one bit when you are faced with screwing up the central thing in your life. You will see the matter clearly and begin to have compassion on Tiger, even though you might actually think you want so much of what he has.
I say all this not to defend Tiger’s actions. He acknowledged he sinned and I agree with him and am glad he has faced up to it. But I am also praying for him, because I know that first, that I am never beyond such a sin. And second, because if I ever did fall, I would hate having to deal with it with the entire world following my every move.
All that being said, let us be careful how we interact with such a story, taking diligent note of what we are apt to say and what it reveals first and foremost about ourselves.
