December 10, 2006

"One person esteems one day as better than another, while another esteems all days alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind." (Romans 14:5)

Dear Friends and Members of Grace,

There has long been a debate over how Christmas came to be celebrated on December 25. Scripture does not offer enough information for us to nail down the month in which Christ was born, much less the day, so why December 25? One of the most common and plausible explanations is that it was a means to sanctify the profane. Since the winter solstice (the shortest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere with each day thereafter gradually having more daylight time) occurs on December 21/22, it was common for pagan rituals to take place on those dates in anticipation of the coming fruitfulness of spring. The chief god of Egypt was Ra the sun god who was thought to become ill each year (hence the shortening days) and to celebrate the winter solstice and the surging strength of Ra, the Egyptians would fills their homes with green palm rushes as a sign of the triumph of life over death. Another pagan festival was that of Saturnalia, in which the Romans celebrated Saturn, the god of agriculture on the winter solstice. The common idea was that Christians said, "Let's take this pagan holiday and turn it into something truly sacred - a celebration of the new life which is ours because of the birth of the Christ-child."

If that theory for how Christians settled upon December 25 is correct, it is far from the only example of Christians taking over pagan practices, especially in connection with Christmas. Think of the beloved Christmas tree - its origins are thoroughly pagan. Sixteenth century Germans are credited with starting the tradition of Christmas trees, but pagans preceded them. At the winter solstice festival of Saturnalia, the Romans would decorate their homes and temples with evergreen boughs. Similarly, centuries before German Christians brought Christmas trees into their homes, the northern European Druids would adorn their homes with evergreen boughs as a symbol of eternal life. The Vikings of Scandinavia, likewise, saw evergreens as the special plant of the sun god, Balder.

While sixteenth century German Christians followed in the footsteps of earlier Christians by trying to sanctify the pagan use of trees at the winter solstice, it did not catch on so quickly amongst all Christians. The New England Puritans were especially noted for seeing Christmas trees and the like as infringing upon the sanctity of Christmas. The pilgrim's second governor, William Bradford, sought to stamp out such "pagan mockery" by penalizing such. Likewise, Oliver Cromwell preached against "the heathen traditions" of Christmas carols, decorated trees, and any joyful expression that desecrated "that sacred event." The Puritans were so concerned about the infringement of pagan practices into Christian life that, in 1659, the General Court of Massachusetts enacted a law making any observance of December 25 (other than a church service) a penal offense; people were fined for hanging decorations.

Needless to say, the Puritan outlook is rather naïve and unrealistic. It looks upon Christianity as a porcelain doll around which you must place barricades to protect it from the world. Furthermore, it is anti-evangelistic as it refuses to meet people in the midst of their sinful (perhaps even pagan) practices to introduce them to the true spirituality of Christmas.

Just as I suggested last week that we use the popular infatuation with Santa Claus to introduce people to the historic, real St. Nicholas who was a champion of Christianity, I invite you to see that Christians have a long and wonderful practice of already doing so. For many, the highlight of the Christmas season is chopping down and then decorating the family Christmas tree. Although its earliest historic roots are in pagan practice, is such a practice fine for a Christian? Yes! It's all a matter of focus. The Christian life is not about a set of rules to prevent us from potentially stepping where a pagan first trod. The Christian life is about proclaiming that Christ is the fulfillment of all human longing and life. Enjoy your Christmas tree and your other Christmas traditions, but keep in focus the true message of Christmas: Christ was born that He might be God's presence among us, delivering forgiveness, life and salvation through His death and resurrection.

The Peace of the Lord be with you,

Pastor Golden

 

Pictorial Directory: The final touches are being put on Grace's new pictorial directory by the design committee. Anyone who did not have their picture for the directory but would like to submit a family photo (vertical orientation is preferred) should place it in the church office by Christmas. Likewise, anyone having photos of activities at Grace for the activity pages should leave them in the office by Christmas.

New Member Class: A series of classes leading to membership at Grace will commence early in the New Year. If you are interested in attending, contact Pastor Golden.

New Member Banquet: We will be thanking the Lord for the blessing of the new members who have joined Grace in 2006 at the annual New Member Banquet on Sunday, January 14, 2007 following the service. Bring a dish, get to know our new members, and welcome them into the congregation.

Voters Meeting: All communicant members of Grace should mark their calendars for Sunday, December 10, 11:15 a.m. for a Voters Meeting. The agenda will include the election of 2007 congregational officers and the approval of the 2007 budget.

LifeLight: LifeLight will resume on Monday, January 8, 2007, 7 p.m. for a study of Miracles - Biblical and Contemporary. Anyone interested in participating should contact Pastor Golden by December 17 so sufficient materials may be ordered.

Christmas Caroling: We will be sharing the joy of Christmas as we sing carols at Summit Villa on Sunday, December 10. We'll meet at Grace at 1:30 pm to practice and then arrive at Summit Villa by 2 pm.

Advent & Christmas Services

Sunday, December 10 - Second Sunday of Advent - "He Comes To..."

Wednesday, December 13 - Second Wednesday of Advent - "The Simple Truth"

Sunday, December 17 - Third Sunday of Advent - Children's Program "From Heav'n Above"

Wednesday, December 20 - Third Wednesday of Advent - "Sing with a Joyful Tongue"

Sunday, December 24, 10 am - Fourth Sunday of Advent - "Anticipating What's Under the Wrapping"

Sunday, December 24, 5 pm - Christmas Eve - "The Love of God Made Manifest"

Sunday, December 24, 11 pm - Christmas Vigil - "Coming Out Party"

Monday, December 25, 10 am - Christmas Day - "The Joy of the Nativity"

Sunday, December 31, 10 am - First Sunday after Christmas - "Christmas Clothes"

Sunday, December 31 - 5 pm - New Year's Eve - "Time Change"