The annual tussle between the Christians and the commercial people as to what Christmas is really about. Complicated more
by the fact that although the religious origin of Christmas lies in Matth 1-2 the actual day of the celebration on the
calendar has no historical backing nor Biblical authority in the sense that there is no command like that for Baptism or the
Lord's Supper to give it theological authenticity and support.
The cultural accretions; the fir tree with trimmings of mistletoe and holly, the sleigh and bells,
Santa Claus the elves and reindeer; are all firmly rooted in pagan traditions which were taken over by ancient
Christians and then carried on. In reality historically it is the Christian ideas that are the add ons to a former pagan
festival. This is probably why this festival much more than Easter is re paganizing in the modern sense of adding in
consumerism,hedonistic feasting and holiday making as its major characteristic.( see Note below)
For children the big complication must be that the most interesting thing about Christmas is the festivity around the tree
and decorating, the presents and the feasting with the special goodies, visits of relatives and friends. Not to mention
the Grinch and other folk tales developed over the years. Dickens has become immortal with his story of Scrooge in the
Christmas Carol.
One of our best friends in these parts, Ken and Linda Littlejohn, use the festive opportunity to invite
in a lot of friends and neighbors making a form of evangelistic outreach which is great so we usually participate. Linda
is a great bulk food cook
preparing
mountains of material. In the warmer times
Ken gets out his barbecue and has a big roast up. The big new Christmas present for them this year is the arrival of the
first grandchild, a boy born on 22nd.
Visit of Caleb, Kelsey and Emily:
Kim and Lorne. They left on Friday 23rd tomorrow to be home for
Chandra's parents arrival at Christmas. Christmas Eve was to be with Dad.
