The Mas of Christ
Jesus left each of us a gift 2000 years ago. Some have left their gift unclaimed. Some have accepted it. Others have carried it around, but have never unwrapped it or looked inside. Each gift contains a scroll on which is written, "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life." (John 3:16)
I was surprised by something the pastor said on Saturday morning during the Christmas service. I was rather shocked, but at the same time i kind of expected it. He explained how a man was asked what Christmas was and his response was something along these lines, "It's the birthday of the old man with a white beard."
Interesting...very interesting. But how many people know otherwise? We live in such a confused world that it's really not all that surprising that some individuals know no better. Sad but true.
Now, another question i frequently raise is what do Christmas trees have to do with Christmas? They are beautiful, but have no connection to the Christmas story. Yet to many, Christmas isn't Christmas without the evergreen tree. Tradition? Culture? It's something to think about.
In all my years of growing up, i have never had a Christmas tree in my house. Christmas hasn't been any less to me. We don't put up a tree in my house simply because we have certain convictions and beliefs. Weird? Peculiar? Perhaps, but each to it's own. We have our reasons. I'm not suggesting that this action be reflected and Christmas trees be removed from the scene; i merely think that knowing why we do certain things is important. It's so easy to go along with the crowd, but standing alone; now that's not easy.
There are so many more issues that i have on my mind related to Christmas...or what we refer to as Christmas, but it's really a lot. Ultimately, it's important to remember the reason for the season and not be lead astray by distractions that pop up along the way.
Well, to all my readers, have a Blessed Christmas!
posted by daenielle @ 10:59 AM
2 Comments:
why do we have a decorated Christmas Tree? In the 7th century a monk from Crediton, Devonshire, went to Germany to teach the Word of God. He did many good works there, and spent much time in Thuringia, an area which was to become the cradle of the Christmas Decoration Industry.
Legend has it that he used the triangular shape of the Fir Tree to describe the Holy Trinity of God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. The converted people began to revere the Fir tree as God's Tree, as they had previously revered the Oak. By the 12th century it was being hung, upside-down, from ceilings at Christmastime in Central Europe, as a symbol of Christianity.
source: http://www.christmasarchives.com/trees.html
I believe that the monk from Crediton had a good reason and purpose for using the fir tree in his symbolism as it probably would have assisted the people there in understanding what he was saying. How better to explain than to use something from their daily lives.
This man had a reason and he understood that reason. But what about in this day and age? When people see Christmas trees, is that what they relate it to? I think not. I didn't even know about that symbolism. It is vital that the actual or original meaning is kept; otherwise the purpose is lost.
Thanks for your input. I learned something new.
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