We’ve all seen the Charlie Brown Christmas special. Feeling uninspired by the Christmas preparations of his friends, Charlie Brown launches a personal search for the true meaning of Christmas. In the end, Charlie Brown and his friends are reminded that the true Christmas spirit isn’t represented by the perfect artificial Christmas tree or bright holiday decorations. Instead, the meaning of Christmas lies in the original Christmas story: the celebration of the humble birth of Jesus Christ.
At the center of the Christmas story is a child. A poor child, with only a manger for shelter, yet celebrated by majestic kings and humble shepherds alike.
This child was much more than God’s gift of salvation, Jesus serves as a reminder of where humble beginnings can lead.
To mark the birth of Jesus Christ, we exchange gifts with our family and friends. These presents recall the gift of Christ’s birth as well as the gifts offered by the Magi, showing our gratitude for the blessings we have been given.
Like Charlie Brown and his friends, sometimes we lose sight of the original intent of Christmas. We visit stores and the Internet looking for things we think will enrich our lives. We make lists of the things we would like to possess and may be disappointed when we don’t get what we want.
If we focus on material items, on what we lack rather than on the blessings we have, we find ourselves just as depressed as Charlie Brown. Contentment will not be found in a new car, big-screen tv, or smartphone. But it can be found in the pursuit of family, faith, and community.
Unfortunately today, many of the traditional functions of family, faith, and community have been replaced by reliance on politics and government. Whereas communities used to rally together to help neighbors in times of need, we now expect outside government agencies to fill that role so we can go about our lives untroubled. And then we criticize them on social media when they don’t act fast enough.
Parents once taught their children the importance of a healthy and balanced diet. Now, with obesity rates soaring, we blame the government for not policing our eating habits. We demand that they tax us into making good nutrition choices and push them to restrict the foods eligible for purchase by struggling families using SNAP benefits.
Family gatherings were once a time of connection and joy. These days, some families aren’t on speaking terms because family members belong to different political parties.
Please don’t mistake my intent. I believe that societies have a duty to protect the vulnerable and help those who need it. But the role of government should be supportive, not central. When our daily lives revolve around the government and the political decisions that determine who controls the government, we’ve lost something essential.
It’s time to return to the basics. It all began with a child. As we celebrate Christmas this year, let’s guide our focus back to our children. Let us show them that this holiday is not about filling holes in our lives. Christmas is a time to appreciate what we have. It’s also about working together—family by family, community by community—to build stronger bonds of faith with each other.
According to Linus (and the Gospel of Luke), angels trumpeted Christ's arrival on Earth with the words: ”Glory to God in the highest, and on Earth peace, goodwill toward men!”
This Christmas season, I will give glory by supporting my neighbors who are striving to make New Mexico the best place it can be for your family and mine. I will show goodwill by following the example Christ provided to us; loving all, even those who don’t agree with me. As I hold my young niece, I will remember, it all began with a child.
May each person reading this letter have a joyous Christmas!
Representative Rebecca Dow