Nearing Christmas...thinking about things which have lead up to Christmas. What have I learned in my childhood about this time of year, what has the media taught me, what traditions inspire me, and what do I really believe? Do I need belief? Overall, at this time of year I see a lot of people running on their conditioning. I have come to question it for many reasons, mainly my wonder at what we are really celebrating and why. I was not raised in a religious home so there was no discussion of Christ in Christmas. I was raised with Santa, gifts, turkey and The Grinch. So, Christmas for me was about the dependability of traditions, media versions of holiday perfection and a few gifts to play with over the winter break.
Living in China presented me with a lot of questions. Everyone wanted to know about God, Jesus, trees, food, all things foreign and I was the go to for my classes. After all, I am white and so there for Christian and a leader for the "Father Jesus" class. (They actually meant Santa Claus! haha) I researched my habits like never before. How can I explain to a group of desperate and/or doubting persons my irrational beliefs in trees and mangers. I presented the tree as a tradition that gives us comfort in a dark time of the year. That I was not a Pagan but I did it for the tradition which originated in Pagan beliefs. And therefore presented the real tradition of the Holiday Tree which I will share with you just in case you did not know why we have decorated trees.
Dating back centuries before Christ (notice the irony of calling this a "Christ"mas tree) Pagans brought evergreen trees, plants, and leaves into their homes upon the arrival of the winter solstice December 21st and 22nd-ish. People practised slightly differently according to countries and cultures, however, the symbolism was for the most part the same. To celebrate the return of life at the beginning of winter's decline. Seems like a logical thing to do when you are dependant on such things as the seasons, weather, farming, etc for survival. Plus let's face facts, the practical use is also important. By that time of year the air in your home would stink something fierce and all those fresh tree scents would be a big improvement on the general funk of B.O. and stored foods. In addition to the trees, Pagans gave us the charming yule log, mistletoe wreaths, the colours red, green and white. Other customs include candles/lights, gift-giving, singing, feasting and making resolutions. Hmm sound familiar? Also the rituals for this time are personal renewal, world peace and the honouring of family and friends.
How did all this make what we know as Christmas? When I see things like Keep The Christ In Christmas I get angry at people for not examining a little bit of the truth behind what this holiday is. These same people put up a manger and tree side by side. This makes me curious as to how much people know about being a Christian as the The Bible indicates that the Lord gave an order "Do not learn the way of the nations, And do not be terrified by the signs of the heavens Although the nations are terrified by them; For the customs of the peoples are delusion; Because it is wood cut from the forest, The work of the hands of a craftsman with a cutting tool. "They decorate it with silver and with gold; They fasten it with nails and with hammers so that it will not totter." There are also other passages which make it seem as though celebrating Christmas is idolatry, and inheriting Pagan customs that are against the Christian God.
So...where does that leave me? I set up a tree, had people over, I have received gifts and have given a few, written cards and wished many people Merry Christmas with a hug. So I guess you can say I am somewhat undecided. I like the things that I have been raised with and keeping the traditions gives me comfort. This year that is enough for me. Over all though, if you believe in Jesus or not, his messages certainly fit this time of year.
Love your neighbours, help the needy and let your light shine!
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