Listen, my son, and be wise, and keep your heart on the right path.  Do not join those who drink too much wine or gorge themselves on meat, for drunkards and gluttons become poor, and drowsiness clothes them in rags (Proverbs 23:19-21).

Is God a Scrooge?  Does He want to ruin all the fun?  Would He rather just pronounce a "bah" and a "humbug" on all our holiday celebrations and just get on with business as usual?  It sure can seem that way, at least from a casual reading of Proverbs 23:19-21.  It seems to suggest that we should throw out the egg nog and the Christmas turkey (or goose, or ham, or Swedish meatballs, depending on your family traditions).  It seems to suggest that we should ditch the exchange of gifts and the extra napping that have become so commonplace with our Thanksgiving and Christmas and New Year's celebrations.  It seems to suggest that we should focus on the assignment to "Listen... and be wise, and keep your heart on the right path."  Right?

I, for one, feel a healthy sense of challenge to remember the spiritual implications of our holidays and avoid the pitfalls of overindulgence and greed which can overwhelm us at this time of the year.  It's good to be reminded that holidays were originally designed to be holy days -- and if we neglect to honor God on these occasions, it's like we're ignoring an honored guest at the table.  Going way back to the Jewish feasts that were prescribed in the Old Testament, it's important to see that all of life -- but especially an occasion such as a holiday -- is meant to bring us into a deeper awareness and appreciation of God and what He's doing in our midst.

However, it's also good to remember that God designated the original Jewish feast days to be parties, not just solemn religious observances.  The Old Testament feasts and festivals called for lots and lots of animal sacrifices -- but this was not just because God wanted to have His followers destroy a portion of their most valued posessions as some sort of loyalty test.  It was because lots of animal sacrifices provided lots of meat, and lots of meat provided an occasion for feasting and fun!  Seriously (check the Old Testament bylaws, if you want)!  The meat wasn't just for burning; it was for roasting and consuming and enjoying in the presence of God.  Besides, good food and good drink are good gifts from God, like it says in Ecclesiastes 2:24-25:  "A man can do nothing better than to eat and drink and find satisfaction in his work. This too, I see, is from the hand of God, for without him, who can eat or find enjoyment?"

Yes, we can and should learn how to celebrate in moderation, but the bigger picture is that we need to make sure we invite God to the party and give him the seat of honor.  If you can keep this in mind, I raise my glass to you and wish you a very happy celebration of the Christmas holy day!