As we venture into the Christmas period we become more and more involved in the trappings of Christmas.
There is Father Christmas of course, a bold figure now with a big laugh, though the original from Turkey from around 300ad was very shy, and it is from him that all the others have evolved. He had the habit of giving gifts, and this has become part of the ethos of Christmas, though the relevance to Jesus is unclear to say the least. For many this is what Christmas is about, not Jesus, but a generous Turkish chap. Most Father Christmas figures these days are about collecting money (though they might give cheap gifts as part of that). How does the magic of the flying reindeer fit with the birth of Jesus?
There is the tree of course, originally from the 16th century in Germany. The decorations now can almost totally lack anything to do with Christmas, sometimes a star on the top reminds us of the birth of Jesus, but most are either just pretty glittery things, or associated with other aspects of Christmas like fairies and reindeer.
There are the presents, the food, the days off, the Queen’s speech, and of course family, it all makes for a great time and I love it, but somewhere in it all Jesus is lost. Even the Christmas cards, a great way to keep in touch (and our family newsletter is an integral part of that) frequently seem to be about snow or other ‘seasonal’ aspects rather than Jesus.
For those that go to organised church events there is midnight mass, or other services on the day, these too seem often about raising money, for those that just want to go and spend a few quiet moments in the church sadly the it is normally locked and entrance barred apart from the times of the services.
There are 207 days attributed to the birth of Jesus, it does not matter what day we choose, the point is to remember and be grateful that he was born, that he gave us the teachings and wisdom, the guidance and love that he did, and yet few will take even one moment to remember that this special day is about him, about his amazing birth and of course the amazing life that followed – just a moment is all it needs - in the words of Bliss –‘ thank you for walking on this earth, thank you for being you’. Happy birthday Jesus, Thank you.
There is Father Christmas of course, a bold figure now with a big laugh, though the original from Turkey from around 300ad was very shy, and it is from him that all the others have evolved.
You are talking about Santa Claus here. Developed from St. Nicholas and taken by immigrants to the USA.
Father Christmas developed from the northern European Spirit of Midwinter (with nods to Odin and the Wild Hunt), and also made the trip to America, where the two were amalgamated.
I appreciate that this doesn't alter the gist of your posting, but the differences between the two were profound.
Hi Crowan,
Difficult to say exactly, there were midwinter gods but that does not for me translate to the current Father Christmas. Odin (not sure of the dates here but....) was pre-Christ wasn't he, at least on the continent.
Nice chap with a complicated past it seems.
]There are 207 days attributed to the birth of Jesus, it does not matter what day we choose, the point is to remember and be grateful that he was born, that he gave us the teachings and wisdom, the guidance and love that he did, and yet few will take even one moment to remember that this special day is about him, about his amazing birth and of course the amazing life that followed – just a moment is all it needs - in the words of Bliss –‘ thank you for walking on this earth, thank you for being you’. Happy birthday Jesus, Thank you.
love
chris
Thanks for this lovely reminder Chris!
It's a very special time of year for me too, but as you say, the point is to remember and be grateful and I try to do that every day of the year!!
I particularly love the way that Christmas lights illumine our dark nights (yes, even if they are tacky) - they remind me of these words of John 1;
In him was life; and the life was the light of men.
And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.
I love seeing the joy, excitement and wonder on children's faces. That reminds me of Jesus' words from John 15:
These things have I spoken unto you,
that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.
This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.
I love the fact that for one time in the year, people are thinking of others rather than themselves, are thinking of giving rather than just getting. I love the fact that families come together at this time, reminding me of Jesus' words from John 10:
I am come that they might have life,
and that they might have it more abundantly. (John 10)
Even in the midst of all the commercialism, it is possible to see things from a higher point of view. One tradition that I love is singing carols - i can never get enough of them! And another huge treat for me at Christmas (and Easter) is Handel's Messiah.
And if you're in the mood for a deep contemplation of what the real meaning of Christmas is, I go back to this article every year and find fresh inspiration. I love the way it ties in with the Messiah too:
The universal message of Christmas (the prenatal innocence of men and women and all creation), the message of the resurrection (the continuity of their progress in the forever expression of Life), and the message of the ascension (the eternal unity of God and His creation), are one symphonic chord.
One part of that chord can’t be separated from the other parts, and can’t be fully understood without them.
I wish everyone reading this a blessed, peaceful and harmonious Christmas!
Just to stir things further Christianity is a merge of several religions, mainly paganism to convert the heathens (country dweller).
To the pagans, Yule was the mark of three days to after which, the light would slowly return to the world. Christ was a prominent figure but he was still a mortal man. If you look at the night clear when it's clear, you can see (correct me if I'm wrong) the three stars of orions belt "following" osiris's star as the axis of the earth changes. This is where the three wise men following the great star to Jesus' location came from. So the star is a very prominent theme as a converted holiday.
Odin the all-father translates directly to midwinter as the Nordic people would have followed their pantheon and would have lived in absolute freezing conditions, bless them. To most pagans, all gods and goddesses are the different aspects of the same deity. Odin was apparently seen riding a 8 legged horse across the skies so there's obvious comparisons to make there and it was tradition to leave treat by the fireplace for him and his horse, once again, what does that sound familiar to?
That's simply wonderful Judy - I have sung soprano in a large choir for 30 years every other Christmas so I am very familiar with it. Unfortunately with my health problems I can no longer sing but it is lovely to listen to.
It would be lovely if this was done more often in public places so more people can hear how uplifting good music can be.
That's simply wonderful Judy - I have sung soprano in a large choir for 30 years every other Christmas so I am very familiar with it. Unfortunately with my health problems I can no longer sing but it is lovely to listen to.
It would be lovely if this was done more often in public places so more people can hear how uplifting good music can be.
Glad you enjoyed it Caroline! It so has the WOW factor doesn't it? I've managed to incorporate it into my Christmas newsletter that everyone is getting by email, so I hope they all click on the link too.
Aaah - Christmas
Christianity is a merge of several religions, mainly paganism to convert the heathens (country dweller). 
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