How Early Is Too Early for Christmas?

So, what's on my mind?

Neighbors are putting up the lights and stores are playing the seasonal hits. And with it, the great debate is heating up again—the annual battle lines drawn between the “not until after Thanksgiving!” crowd and the “bring on the Christmas lights, baby!” crowd. Me? I say, bring it on! I love Christmas. If listening to “O Come, All Ye Faithful” while the leaves are still falling is wrong, I don’t want to be right.

There’s something about the lights going up, the music playing, and the smell of cinnamon in the air that makes the world feel a little brighter. Of course, I understand the argument that we shouldn’t rush through Thanksgiving—and I agree! But I think the reason so many of us can’t help but jump ahead to Christmas is because the season carries something our hearts long for all year long: hope, joy, and peace.

Maybe that’s why the angels didn’t wait for a calendar date before singing “Glory to God in the highest.” When the good news of great joy arrived, they didn’t hold off until the “official season.” They celebrated right then and there!

So maybe that’s our cue too. Whether you’re hanging lights before the turkey’s carved or you wait until the actual 12 Days of Christmas, the important thing isn’t when we celebrate, but why. Every twinkling light reminds us that “the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it” (John 1:5). Every carol reminds us that God has come near.

So go ahead—listen to the music, hang the lights, and hum Joy to the World if you want. The world could always use a little more light, a little more joy, and a little more of the hope that only Christ brings. And for those who still say it’s too early? Don’t worry. I’ll watch Home Alone again with you when you’re ready.

May God hold you,
Rev Chris Hester