What is Christmas?
We often associate Christmas with the lights on a tree (plastic or cut), Santa Claus, and presents for loved ones. Certainly, time off from work and school, gathering with family or friends, feasting around turkeys or ham, and even a glass of egg nog come to mind as well.
Yet when the Church speaks of Christmas, we mean something different. We remember Saint Nicholas, Bishop of Myra, who originated the whole Santa Claus bit, not as a way to sell Coke or grant toy-based wishes, but as a just and generous follower of Jesus who was well-known for his doctrinal stances as well as for distributing money to those who were most in need of it.
We focus on a twelve-day period of celebration, not just on the 25th of December. In some cultures, St Nicholas’ Day is the main celebration (that happens on December the 6th); in others, Epiphany is of central importance because the Magi (Wise Men or Kings) arrive with their gifts for the Christ child…and today’s children too. The season includes remembrances of the Martyrdom of St Stephen on December 26th and the Massacre of the Holy Innocents under Herod on the 27th. These aren’t particularly “Christmassy” celebrations: stoning and slaughter don’t make for a pleasing holiday card. But they are reminders that the darkness we see outside our windows in the Northern Hemisphere has ruled in human hearts as well.
There are lots of ways to commemorate the Christmas season in our homes and lives. I hope you’ll join me in worshipping the newborn Christ throughout the season. Merry Christmas!
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