Standing Out; Standing Up

Last night was the first time I have been on the third floor of the student union for a couple of weeks. Well, at least a week anyway. As I was walking down the hallway towards where we have a bible study, I could see reflections in the windows. Lights, colored balls, green trees and boxes sitting on the floor, all reflected through the windows.

Others commented on the trees that night. One person asked which one is our favorite. Some trees were highly decorated, some had no decoration. But many of us answered the white one. I don't know why a lot of people chose the white one, but I know why I did: It stood out from all the rest. It was the only white tree in the group of seven or eight trees.

What a perfect picture. As a Christian I should be set apart. I should look different from "the world." What I say, what I do, what I watch, what I listen to... It should all reflect who Christ is. I should stand out from everything, and everyone else around me. I should be like the white tree.

But, I know this is not primarily a religion blog so I will tie it in a little more.

I asked one of the janitors what was going on and if there was some event up there. He said he did not think so, that it was a fundraiser. The boxes at the base of the trees were wrapped, but the top is open. Different Greek organizations on campus had a box with their name by it.

To be honest, my first thought was "It's too early." Why are people already putting Christmas lights up? Why is the bell tower already playing some Christmas music? Why are stores playing Christmas music before Halloween?

Everyone spends the holiday differently. For some it is a religious holiday, for some it is just a time to spend with family. For some, Christmas is not even the holiday they are celebrating.

Now, I am not saying not to say Merry Christmas in stores or anything like that. My point is that it is just too early. Thanksgiving is still a week away. Have we completely forgotten about thanksgiving?

The decorations may not be as pretty or numerous, but there are still decorations. The meaning may not be quite as deep but there is still meaning. For the celebrators who do not celebrate for religious beliefs it shouldn't matter a whole lot. For those celebrating Christmas (Dec. 25) because it is Jesus' "birthday," Thanksgiving is a great time to just give thanks to God.

Be thankful for what we have. Be thankful for housing. Be thankful for food. Be thankful for water. Be thankful for family. Be thankful for life. Be thankful for Christ's sacrifice. Be thankful for our freedoms. Be thankful for countless other things there are to be thankful for.