Michael W. Smith Fails Christmas

Christmas turns the world upside down

A week or so ago, I was in the car driving to a yearly Christmas concert that I’m part of in Bloomington, Indiana when Sean Hannity just happened to be interviewing Michael W. Smith about his new Christmas album. Their conversation went something along the lines of Sean saying that ‘as he gets older and grumpier, Michael W. Smith’s Christmas concerts help him remember what the true meaning of Christmas is’, “It reminds you that it’s time to turn off work, turn off–you know–the day-to-day…and find your better side, your better self.”

Michael W. Smith agreed and continued,

Yeah, I believe so, Sean. I mean, what is it about this time of year that everybody does reflect? You take a good look at your life and…Are you making a contribution? Are you making a difference in the world?

STOP! That’s the point of Christmas–the heart of Christmas? Did I make a difference in the world? Did I make a contribution? Now, maybe that’s a quaint mistake to make if you live in a gated community and have professionals who advise you to donate to non-profits in Africa that supposedly feed the hungry. What about the vast majority of the world living in poverty? Or the folks in the trailer park down the street?

Michael W. Smith got it dead wrong, but he got something else exactly right. He did exactly what we all want to do with Christmas. Make it all about myself. Gee, isn’t the world better because of me this year? What a burden! What a weight to take on and to place on others!

Now, of course, doing good deeds are wonderful; loving our neighbors and enemies, blessing those who persecute us, forgiving our debtors. You all did those things perfectly well this past year, right? But these are supposedly Christians speaking to each other and they are claiming to speak about the heart and spirit of Christmas–the main point. The main point is embarrassing and lowly and it won’t even translate very well when I try and fail at typing it out.

Mary ought to know when she sang this after the angel told her the news that she would give birth to the Son of God,

My soul magnifies the Lord,
and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
for He has looked on the contribution I made this year the humble estate of his servant.
For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed;
for He who is mighty has done great things for me,
and holy is his name.
And his mercy is for those who fear Him
from generation to generation.
He has shown strength with his arm;
He has scattered the proud (I’m tempted to add Hannity!) in the thoughts of their hearts;
He has brought down the mighty from their thrones
and exalted those who made a difference this year of humble estate;
He has filled the hungry with good things,
and the rich he has sent away empty… – Luke 1:46

Who did God announce the birth of His son to? Not the talking heads on the Trinity Broadcasting Network and not reformed biblical theologians. Shepherds (think truck drivers and migrant farm workers) and wise men–unclean (non-Jews) scientists maybe? from Iran.

This Christmas, take and read the scriptures for yourself about his birth. Don’t let Hollywood or Sean Hannity guide you. Fall and surrender at the feet of this Savior, Jesus Christ who tells you,

Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. – Matthew 11:28

Hear the Sean Hannity clip referenced (around 16:40) and yes, I would probably say something I hate if I was interviewed for a few minutes on any subject…