Faith & Reflection
Last time I mentioned that there isn’t any biblical basis for having a Christmas tree, but there’s nothing wrong with having one either.
There are actually a number of things about Christmas that aren’t biblically based. For example, December 25th. It is almost certainly not the day, or the month of Christ’s birth (September is more likely).
Furthermore, there is an attachment of this date to the ancient pagan sun god worship that followed the winter solstice. The selection of December 25 was simultaneously a compromise with paganism and a desire to magnet pagans toward Christianity.
Reactions to the foregoing range from simply ignoring historical facts, to suggesting that Christians should not celebrate Christmas. I personally consider most of the difference of opinion surrounding this historical information (which most know little of and those who do, don’t know much for sure) to be a classic case of mountain climbing over molehills.
The fact of the matter is, that the unparalleled, incomparable, pristine beauty and integrity of the authentic Christmas narrative swallowed up, if not obliterated pagan ritual. And why wouldn’t it? It has all the intrigue and excitement of a Hollywood epic. It incorporates communication from God and angels. There are lowly shepherds, lofty wise-men and a deplorable psychopathic monarch.
A young engaged couple have a scandal hanging over their heads. The young lady is pregnant, but the couple tenaciously maintain that not only has she remained chaste, but the child growing within her is the Son of God!
Some concerns about Christmas remain however. First, it is a serious matter that the celebration of the birth of Christ has been, by believers and unbelievers alike, severely marginalized by commercialism and materialism.
Add to this the fact, that in our increasingly secular and pluralistic society, we are being told (and many individuals and businesses, allegedly in political correctness, go along with it) that we should be saying happy holidays or that sort of thing, rather than Merry Christmas. Now, there is a place for properly repeating the notorious statement of, “Bah humbug!” if there ever was one.
Here’s the bottom line...modern day Christmas is a mixture of traditions pulled from many sources. Admittedly, a lot of them have little to do with Jesus. However, while Christ is, to a large degree being crowded out, the season remains essentially a time in which caring for the poor, bringing families together and encouraging generosity and good deeds is encouraged. Reminiscent no doubt, of the angels chorus of “...peace on earth, goodwill toward men” (Luke 2:14).
The passage quoted above is missing an important phrase, however. It begins with, “glory to God.” And that is the key!
By the way – Merry CHRISTmas!