Christian Imitation

I was thinking about this subject as we approach Christmas.  How did December 25^th get selected as the day Jesus was born?

The Catholic Church maintains that it is simply a calculation of 9 months after the day that Jesus was conceived - March 25. (Of course, I don’t understand how the church knows the day Jesus was conceived.)

Another theory is that December 25 was borrowed from the Roman culture where “Dies Natalis Sol Invictus” (The Birthday of the Unconquerable Sun) was celebrated on the very same day.

The first Christian Roman Emperor, Constantine said as much.  “The Sol Invictus has been adopted by the Christians in a Christian sense.”

Others say that since the Roman’s week-long winter-solstice celebration, Saturnalia, was so popular, Christians merely borrowed the date, along with the merriment.

Why not have a day that is altogether different from one of the world’s festivals or celebrations?

In  Ephesians 5:1, Paul instructs Christians to “be imitators of God” not imitators of the world. 

Charles Colton famously said, “Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.”  Flattery (also known as adulation) is defined as an act of giving excessive compliments, generally for the purpose of ingratiating oneself with the subject.”

So, what are Christians trying to do when they wear corporate-like logos but instead of the Starbuck’s mermaid, it’s a picture of Jesus?  Or instead of Subway it’s the Subway logo but with the words “God’s Way.”  (Or Coke and a host of others.)

What are we to think when CBN or TBN try to make their TV shows like Hollywood productions – only Christian?

What is a Christian rock band saying when they look like, play like and sing like pagan rock bands, only with different words?  (When I was in college, it was cool to sing “Amazing Grace” to the tune of “The House Of The Rising Sun” – a song made famous in the 60’s about a whore house.)

Are Christians trying to ingratiate themselves with the worldly originators?  And if so, why?

What does it mean to be imitators of God?

I suppose the closest example is that of Jesus.  If he were alive today, would he be residing in a multi-million-dollar home in Newport Coast?  (Like Paul and Jan Crouch of TBN, for example.)

Would he be driving a Ferrari and wearing Gucci shoes?  Gold rings and necklaces?  (Like some Christian professional athletes.)

How many Christians today imitate not only the way Jesus lived, but his commands as well?  Jesus said in Mt. 5:48 “Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”  (In other words, imitate God!)

Then later in Matthew (19:21) he said, “If you want to be perfect, go sell your possessions and give to the poor.”

Don’t see many folks doing that, do we?

(I like the example set by the Amish-Mennonites, who truly separate themselves from the world and live a plain, simple existence.  I have respect for them and their discipline to behave in accordance with their beliefs and principles.) 

We don’t honor the winter solstice with Saturnalia or Sol Invictus anymore.  But, we will put evergreen trees in our homes, decorate stuff with lights and give gifts….all customs borrowed from these prior pagan practices.

As for Jesus?  Christians will pretend that he was born on December 25^th.  In his honor, a few will try and imitate his example and give money, gifts or food to the poor and needy.  Most, however, will simply get overwhelmed with all the material stuff they will be giving to and getting from family and friends.

Not me though.  I’m going to imitate something altogether different.

I’m going to haul out the aluminum pole and get ready for the feats of strength and the airing of grievances.

“A Festivus For The Rest Of Us!”