I like to listen to Christmas songs, get out to Christmas markets, and watch my share of Christmas movies. But I think I know one reason Christmas makes so many people miserable. Consider the Christmas message of many of the most popular Christmas songs. What you’ll see is that what started off as a holiday to celebrate a religion became a holiday celebrated as a religion. Let me explain.
1. The rule of the Christmas religion: thou shalt not busy yourself shopping
Every religion has rules and commandments that seek to define evils to avoid and virtues to uphold. The religion of Christmas, at least as it’s presented in popular Christmas songs, seeks to outlaw busyness and over-shopping.
This is a common theme but is probably nowhere more clearly articulated than Mariah Carey’s Christmas anthem, “All I Want for Christmas Is You.” She upholds a kind of Christmas selflessness in the words, “I don't want a lot for Christmas. There is just one thing I need. I don't care about the presents underneath the Christmas tree.”
Katy Perry joins the chorus in her song, “Cozy Little Christmas.” She actually tells Santa to “Take the day off,” because she doesn’t need what he’s got. “I don’t need diamonds, no sparkly things,” she declares. And the implied message is that neither do you.
2. The saviour of the Christmas religion: Put your trust in a romantic partner to save you
The Christmas religion’s commandment is answered by its Saviour. The way you can avoid the busyness and materialism of the season is by putting your trust in a romantic partner to save you. Obviously, this message is prominent in Mariah’s “All I Want for Christmas Is You.” But it’s interesting how songs will even revert to explicitly religious language to express the faith that a romantic partner can save you.
Katy Perry exchanges “Jesus is the reason for the season” for “cause you’re the reason for the season,” in speaking of her romantic interest. Liam Payne portrays himself as a modern-day Magi in his song, “All I Want (for Christmas),” singing to his partner, “And I followed you, the brightest star, I just wanna be where you are, right where you are.” The Christmas religion preaches that romance is what completes you, satisfies you, and delivers you.
3. The hope of the Christmas religion: eggnog, mistletoe and tinsel can heal you
While a boyfriend or girlfriend is definitely the saviour of the Christmas religion, eggnog, mistletoe, and tinsel are offered for your comfort and healing. The vibe of the holiday is presented as the whole meaning of the holiday.
The Jonas Brothers’ ditty, “Like It’s Christmas,” has these words, “The snow on the ground, the love in the air, the sleigh bells are ringing – this is what it's all about.” They then go on to describe the lights and snow-covered scene in Central Park and conclude, “This could be Heaven.”
Lea Michele’s song, “Christmas in New York,” covers similar ground but includes the ringing of the church bells, the sounds of the carolers, and the Christmas nativity, but they’re all just there to serve the right Christmas mood, as if getting the feeling right will make Christmas do its magic for you.
4. The antidote to the Christmas religion: look to Jesus
Some people will say that I take music lyrics too seriously. Maybe they’re right. But I think that the message is too consistent and powerful to ignore. I’m concerned with the message because I’m convinced that it hurts more people than it heals.
In having us focus on the evils of shopping and materialism, we forget the greater danger of disregarding and disrespecting the Saviour God has sent us. Having us trust in a romantic partner to save us sets us up for failure and disappointment. People can’t save us. No one can meet all of our needs. A boyfriend or girlfriend can’t forgive your sins or cover your shame. They can’t offer eternal life or peace in your heart when the storms of life attack. This is what Jesus came to do. This is what Christmas was originally intended to celebrate. But when we worship the holiday and its trappings, we fail to worship Jesus.
When Christmas turns into its own religion, it ends up making promises it can’t keep. The season was never meant to save us; it was meant to point us to the Saviour who can. So enjoy the music, the lights, and hot chocolate, but don’t look to them for what only Jesus can give. And consider how your songs might be shaping your expectations this year. Are they pointing you toward Christ or the holiday itself?
In awe of Him,
Paul
