xmas
...unto us a child is given...
But you wouldn't know it from the decorations hanging from the street corners in China. Traditional images of "Jolly old Saint Nick" are found in abundance. Almost every restaurant has a cardboard cutout of the spry man pasted in the window. Lights and tinsel hang from the most unusual places. I have seen NO nativities present anywhere.
In the newly published Jinan Global bilingual magazine - one of the editors dressed in his red best with beard - is hugging children of every color - expressing glee over the multinational image of this new periodical. "Xmas in Jinan". Inside full color ads noting where you can have your "traditional turkey dinner" are numerous. There are several places where they will cook your turkey for you complete with dressing and cranberry sauce. Of course they want you to feel at home.
There is a lengthy article featuring Santa's visit to the local kindergarten. The article explains that "good" children get a gift and "bad" children get nothing. Teachers at the school have apparently been keeping lists for the upcoming visit and the "bad" children - got nothing. "A warning for next year" states the story. Be good!
While I was waiting for the train last week to bring me to Jinan - the young man that spoke with me was quite happy about the upcoming holiday. He said "what is the name of that man? San..sain... santa - claws?" He told me his young son was happy to recieve a gift from the jolly gentlemen - it made him smile.
It made me sad.
It seems we have exported our "xmas" and not our "Christ"
However, this is the season, when the Christians teaching at the Universities in China can explain the "real" reason for the season. And believe me they take every opportunity to do so. They are busy reading the accounts of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. They are quick to relate the person spoken of in this BOOK was a living person. This is not some fairytale! And while you may find this confusion hard to believe - over something we have known for so long.. remember where you live - the freedom you have been privileged to enjoy. The parents, grandparents and teachers who made this story a part of your life.
It is more than a heritage - it IS life
indeed.
Continue to request the Harvest - it is white (although there is no snow) and while here in China in the Christmas season 2004 "santa" may be coming to town...
I have it on good resource
The King is on His way!!
