Opus 2021-244: On the Street: Where’s the Beef

One of the great traditions of Christmas is the lights.  When I was a kid in Southern California we used to go to Hasting’s Ranch and cruise.  The entire community had taken the deep dive on Christmas lawn candy.  Even in regular neighborhoods you could find pockets of creativity and magic.  One of the regular features was a nativity theme.

Then came the blackout.  I don’t remember the year but in California there was a taboo on lights because we were short of electricity.  Although we have somewhat recovered we are seeing more and more commercial and official displays and fewer in the front yard.  We have seen the same thing on the Fourth of July.  Instead of having a front yard celebration or a street party with fireworks we are expected to let the city do it.  It is for our own good.

In the process of the takeover we see certain changes.  We witnessed an example this week.  We are visiting grandchildren in Virginia.  Locally they have a community organization that takes over a golf course and turns it into a Christmas festival of lights.  We loaded up the van and did a drive through.  It is very impressive.  It shows a lot of work and a lot of imagination.  The kids loved it.  Just one thing was missing.

Jesus.

We saw flowers, bears, penguins, ships, castles, sea serpents and even a Santa Claus with reindeer.  There was no reference to the reason we were taking the drive.  The closest it came was a sign that said, “Peace on Earth.”  Since I am used to the secularization of Christmas I enjoyed the kids and watched for Jesus.  The kids were a joy.  Jesus was not invited.

It feels like the veggie burger I had the other day.  The description used the word burger and listed the exotic ingredients.  I had to ask if it had any beef.  The waitress said, “No,” but told me it was really good.  In fact she said it was her favorite.  Since I would never have a chance again for this delightful treat, I went for it.  It was not horrible.  It was not disgusting.  It was not beef.  I enjoyed it as a one time event in my life but I did not leave feeling like I had what I came for.

Don’t leave the beef out of your hamburgers.  Don’t leave the Savior out of your Christmas.  You may have fun but you won’t get the blessing.

Merry Christmas, the day we celebrate the incarnation.

homo unius libri