so, i'm driving down the country road to meet them at the orchard, enjoying the window down, and thinking that this life in the country can be pretty fun. then, i switch the radio from NPR to the Christian station. then, suddenly, i realize i'm listening to...CHRISTMAS MUSIC!!!!!!!
before i could change the station, the song ended and a station announcement came on about playing Christmas music from now until, of course, Christmas day. it turns out this is an "evangelism tool" and not only will we be hearing Christmas music for the next two months, but we will occasionally hear "secular" holiday songs which serve as "hooks" for those who don't usually listen to Christian radio. because, as they helpfully pointed out, people are "more receptive" to hear about "spiritual things" around the "holiday season." which apparently starts now.
so, i'd like to say a few things to the Christian radio station...(well, to you, because they are probably not reading this.)
first, for the church, the Christmas season starts on Christmas and goes until Epiphany (Jan. 6). we believe that season leading up to Christmas, that time of preparation, is really, really important. so important...and different...we make it a separate season altogether: advent. it's a season of waiting expectantly. it is a season of sitting in the darkness, knowing that the light is coming. it is a season of remembering and reliving the coming of Christ the first time because we believe we are waiting for Christ to come again...and looking, hopefully, toward that time when the chaos, pain, and darkness of this world will be made right. it's an important time. it's something that no one else is talking about how to do. if Christians want to provide a witness in the world during the "holiday season," this is a great one to offer!
second, the folks who started making this the holiday season already are the stores. the commercial season of Christmas has been extended to convince us to buy more stuff so they can make more money. this isn't about Jesus. i fear that the more that organizations bearing the name of Christians buy into this, the more we are supporting the secularization and commercialization of Christmas.
also, it's OCTOBER!!! i mean, i'm all about listening to Christmas music before Christmas. while, i find it very, very important to celebrate advent, i will start listening to Christmas music early...but not until after Thanksgiving!
okay...just one more thing...while i'm upset with the Christian radio station. there is more to our faith than "encouragement" and "safety." i could rant about that for a while, but i'll stop.
i really do like listening to some of the music on the Christian radio station. however, i won't be listening again until at least after Thanksgiving.
4 comments:
oy. christmas music before thanksgiving even?
i've always had problems with christian radio stations... the "safe for the whole family" tag-line is especially annoying. um, no. christianity is definitely not safe, nor is it safe for families.
ps -- 30 days until advent!
I second Natalie's comment, and to the post in general I'd like to give a great big "AMEN, SISTER!!!" I HATE X-mas music before Thanksgiving. But before NOVEMBER? Where do we live???
Thank you! I refuse to listen to Christmas music before Advent. So, of course, my friends here torture me by singing Christmas music now.
Yes yes yes!
Some of us are enjoy the December preparations and then enjoy Christmas with family - is there anything more jarring than just getting settled in after days of preparing heart and hearth for the coming baby - maybe lighting a fire and sharing a holiday meal - putting up our feet - while all the neighbors and stores are ripping out any evidence of Christmas and "hitting the sales"? And you CAN'T find Christmas music on the radio then!!!
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