This morning, PD took us through some of the traditions of the Christmas season. He talked about where some of those traditional elements come from , and why we use them. Then he asked if we just go through the motions of the Christmas season, or do we really recognize it as an amazing time of worship and use those elements to remind us that Christ is the "reason for the season?"How about you? What elements/rituals help to focus your mind on the meaning behind this time of year? Which ones do you simply do out of tradition?
2 comments:
Christmas is always my FAVORITE time of year! I relish ALL of it...the movies, the decorations, the carols, the family, even the weather!
This year, because of some crazy health stuff going on with my parents and extended family, I'm having trouble "feeling the joy." In fact, I'm shocked to find myself getting annoyed when I hear a Christmas carol or see an elf or some garland and lights...a mix of "wait, I'm not ready to be joyful yet" and "oh shut up this isn't a happy time." I could never have imagined being so negative in December!
Today's gathering got me thinking...that Jesus was born, died for me, loves me, and is present and available to me whether I'm "in the mood" or not, whether I'm done Christmas shopping or not, and whether I've finished decorating and baking or not. I can celebrate his birth no matter how I feel and no matter what my circumstances.
This could make my best Christmas ever! If I can take this to heart, and with his help, take joy in the gift of Jesus whether my circumstances with my family get better or not, and whether I get to have any of my usual "Christmas surroundings" or not.
Ho! Ho! Ho!
In a moment of real transparency, focusing on the true meaning of Christmas and all the associated symbols is all the Christmas that we have this year.
With all the transitions that have taken place over the last year (and those that are currently ongoing), there's not going to be a tree, decorations, or presents in our house. It's going to be myself, Christy, the pets, and watching all our favorite Christmas shows. That's it.
A few years ago, I would have been disappointed, if not bitter, that that was all I could look forward to. I must confess that I was much like the Grinch in thinking that Christmas without all the traditional accoutrements was not Christmas at all.
Church planting changes that. As I taught on similar subjects during my time in Ohio, I was struck with just how much I'd forgotten about the symbology of Christmas. For someone like myself who does find a spiritual connection to icons, stained glass, and symbols, that was humbling to admit.
Christmas is Christmas whether I have all the "goodies" or not. Everything else is just a winter festival. "Peace on earth, good will toward men" trumps "You better not pout, you better not cry".
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