This time of year prompts varying attitudes. Some people are caught up in the joy of the season. Others feel depressed. For some, Christmas is a time of remembering...nostalgia, or longing for separated loved ones. Just a few days ago as we were visiting a family in a small town, an older daughter in the family mentioned that she didn't like Christmas. I was hesitant to ask why, but did anyway. Her response was sad. She cited the fact that they were poor and didn't have decorations or presents. She wasn't hinting or anything like that...just stating a fact. It made me sad too, for her. Her mother, with a smile, said, "Maybe it will be better next year." I am torn between being sad for those whose Christmas won't be what they would like and rejoicing in the "reason for the season."
Costa Ricans do decorate. There are lights, Christmas trees, and plenty of Christmas decor in the stores. It's a big deal...just like in the states. Choirs are singing in the malls, there is Christmas music on the radio.
I'm not sure which is worse...the cultural "Christianity" of Latin America or the growing secularist attitude of the states. (Can you believe "Holiday" trees?) A couple of things come to mind: First, it doesn't matter how much you use the name of God or talk about Jesus, if you don't know Him personally, it's only knowledge by reputation. Secondly, no matter how much you try to obliterate His name from the public forum, He still is and will be Lord forever.
