There has been much ado in the news and on local radio about the Chase Bank in Southlake, TX taking down a Christmas tree in their lobby. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/40492366. I found the article while I was at work and listened to people phone in with comments to my favorite radio station during my 30 minute drive home. It took me awhile to process it, but I realized I did not see this situation the majority of my fellow believers in Christ and Christmas celebrants do.
On one hand, I will agree with most that I think it is pretty silly for people to be offended by an inanimate piece of decor and that the bank felt the need to take it down.
On the other hand, I am kind of happy this happened. I hope that this will serve as a moment to step back and consider some things this Christmas. I know it has for me. I think too often we, American Christians, rely on our outward symbols to tell others about Jesus. We proclaim it in our bumper stickers. We wear it on our t-shirts or in the jewelry around our necks. We build buildings. We erect ornate Christmas trees and flock our windows with "Merry CHRISTmas." But we sometimes fail to let the message penetrate to our hearts and radiate back out from there. What does our message sound like when we take away our outward symbols? Are we breathing in Christ's Word, so that the words we speak are filled with Him? Are we allowing the love of Jesus to live in us, so that they know we are His disciples by our love for one another?
I write this as a challenge to myself, more than anyone else, as I await the celebration of the birth of Jesus this Christmas. May He be brought to life in new and amazing ways this season in my heart and mind, and my you see it in me and not my t-shirt.
