The Christmas Spirit

During my childhood, I enjoyed watching Christmas specials on TV. This past Wednesday, I found one on YouTube I don’t recall seeing before. “Christmas Lost and Found” featured the claymation characters Davey and his talking dog Goliath. In this 1965 production by the Lutheran Church of America, Davey repeatedly complains, “I don’t feel Christmas.” 

Davey tries various things associated with the holiday such as putting up lights and eating Christmas cookies. His dad also gives him money to purchase a tree from a new kid named Kenny. After Davey bought presents for his family and friends, Goliath suggested his owner now felt the Christmas spirit. Davey replied, “All I got is no money left.” 


Meanwhile, Davey’s sister Sally set up a nativity scene in their home. That inspired him to gather his friends and perform a Christmas pageant in the town theater. Davey portrayed one of the wise men singing “We Three Kings of Orient Are.” Sally played Mary. Goliath insisted on being a camel. After watching the snow fall outside, Davey lamented, “I can see Christmas and smell it and taste it and hear it, but I can’t feel Christmas.” Before going to bed that night, Davey knelt by his bed and prayed for God to help him find the real spirit of Christmas. 


The next day during dress rehearsal, Kenny heard the kids singing Christmas songs nearby but had to stay and watch over his family’s tree business. Later before the play began, Davey urged Kenny to trade places with him. After selling the last two trees, Davey returned home and gazed at the nativity scene. He then realized Kenny was given what Davey loved best (being a king) just like God gave His best (His son).


The early church didn’t celebrate Christmas. Neither does the Bible talk about the Christmas spirit. Galatians 5:22-23 mentions the fruit of the Spirit, “…love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.” We can have those characteristics throughout the year, not just during the holidays. 


One can appear to have spiritual fruits without knowing Him. 1 John 4:1 warns, “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world.” Relatives have criticized me for not having the Christmas spirit because I refuse to acknowledge Santa Claus. On the other hand, I know of ministries that have toy giveaways and offer pictures with Santa. I disagree with the latter. That distracts people from focusing on the Reason for the Season. 


Christians can enjoy the holiday season while keeping their eyes on Jesus. The so-called Christmas spirit is not dependent on feelings.


“For we walk by faith, not by sight.” - 2 Corinthians 5:7


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