A Christmas nativity and the controversy over commercialism
A Christmas nativity and the controversy over commercialism
The yards are starting to be full again of light displays.
Santas, reindeer, snowmen, and sometimes the Nativity scene.
People like to discuss the merits and/or shame of displaying Jesus in plastic.
Do we need an ad campaign proclaiming the deity of Christ? Hark The Plastic Angels Sing?
Do plastic nativity scenes discount Christmas?
I wonder if plastic lights and baubles, cartoonish caricatures help us remember Jesus and his entrance to His own humanity?
Is it possible these things point us to the truth of what Jesus actually DID for us?
The short answer, I believe, is yes.
Not always the ideal way, but busy people won’t always stop for deep communication. However, they will stop and notice bright lights in the darkness.
While Christmas is often inherently packaged in consumerism these days, the heart and message behind the true meaning never changes.
Perhaps blow mold Christmas decorations shine brightly for the Good News.
Christmas nativity sets and commercialism
Yes, there is controversial commercialization of Christmas. Here is what we are faced with driving along, shopping along, and listening along:
SPEND, PROJECTED CONSUMER SPENDING, $$$, SANTA, CONSUMERISM, jesus, SANTA, PARTIES, jesus, BUY GIFTS, PLAN THE BEST PARTIES, jesus, MY WISH LIST
The gift is so huge, so outlandish, that we almost miss it.
We are so used to hearing the story of Jesus’ birth, that we can lose out on the ridiculously grandiose gift ever given.
Those little plastic beacons of remembrance, however tacky and commercialized, still remind us and the homeowners what the holiday is about.
Jesus.
Are Christmas nativity sets wrong?
The blow mold nativity is staying put in our yard. For aside from the sentimental joy?
I would offer that anything that gives us pause to remember the true meaning of Christmas is good. A small thing that sparks conversation with passersby.
If you don’t know the Christmas story, read Matthew 1:18-25; Matthew 2:1-12; Luke 1:26-38; Luke 2:1-20.
I pray that you, in fact, I am praying for you as I write this, will join me in remembering the gift… and smiling when people joyfully share the message with their sweet reminders.
A blow mold Christmas nativity brings joy
Christmas as a whole has become wwwaaaayyyy overcommercialized. We can all agree there perhaps?
Yet, in this small area of plastic figurines and lights?
It is a tiny glow of remembrance in the hustle of modern culture that turns our eyes back to what really matters.
There is really no controversy to be had when we include one more conversation starter for Jesus…
Christmas Resources to encourage you:
- Have Yourself a Minimalist Christmas: Slow Down, Save Money & Enjoy a More Intentional Holiday
- Reclaiming Christmas Joy: 25 Days of Refreshment with Jesus
- Our Christmas Story: A Modern Christmas Memory Book
- Blow Mold 3 Piece Outdoor Nativity Scene Holy Family with Lights Holiday Decoration
- Everybody Always: Becoming Love in a World Full of Setbacks and Difficult People
- Why the Nativity?: 25 Compelling Reasons We Celebrate the Birth of Jesus
- Disclosure: I only recommend products I do/would use myself. These affiliate links add NO additional cost to you, and may earn me a tiny commission to help support this blog. Read full privacy policy here.
This stirs my heart. And therefore, maybe this is why we are becoming a society of “plastic Jesus” people. There is a book called “Plastic Jesus.” It’s a great read. I think I’ll worship and serve the real deal this Christmas. JESUS alone. Not even with a dash of snow or a Santa’s helper. Nope — just Jesus!
YES! I love it when a believer embraces ALL forms that Christmas is celebrated by others rather than grumping about it! Yay!
Thanks Susie for the comment!
I love plastic Jesus figures. Jesus wouldn’t demand that people buy a tasteful handcrafted Jesus from Pottery Barn, or an exquisite Lladro Jesus imported from Spain. He would like the plastic Jesus. That’s what I think. Every time I see a plastic Jesus and Nativity scene in someone’s yard, I think “There lives someone who loves the Lord and knows what Christmas is about.” Thanks for writing about plastic Jesus Christa!
Kathleen, thanks for the encouragement. I agree, and it makes me smile to see them, regardless of the cheesy factor. The intent is there