People have traditions, and these traditions make our holidays rich and memorable. Rituals are important. In religious services, they help direct worshipers into thoughtful considerations of faith, hope, and love. In families, they help solidify unity of spirit. Some are just plain fun. In certain instances, traditions keep us grounded as to our values. When The Wall Street Journal stops publishing the editorial “In Hoc Anno Domini” written in1949, by Vermont Royster, I’ll know something is awry in America.
Featured during the holidays in our home are familiar and treasured decorations—some made of tin, or perhaps they’re painted aluminum, but they are reminders of what my children used to call “the olden days.” In my front hall a statue of three dancers wear red ribbons and silver halos during the month of December. Bells, ribbons, greenery, Santas, cards, and candles make mundane spots sparkle. Up and down the streets, homes are decked with lights, and everyone seems a bit more festive than usua
I love how my church looks during Christmas with its decorations—a tall tree in the sanctuary, huge wreaths with red bows at the stained glass windows, candles on the window sills, and of course the Nativity, poinsettias, and garlands along the choir rails. When we become so politically correct, that Christmas ceases to be a spiritual experience and since putting up and taking down decorations takes so much time and effort, the question comes up…. Why bother? Instead of school Christmas pageants or the Nativity scene that used to be featured on the Courthouse Square of most little American towns, we attend school “winter concerts.”
Back in 2006, Scott Korb and Leon Morris wrote, “Christmas can remind all of us that our particular religious stories have meaningful and relevant messages for the 21st century, more profound than shopping and acquisition, and more diverse than one holiday season can accommodate. In this spirit, people of all faiths can admire the unique beauty and pageantry of their neighbors’ holiday while always remaining true to their own religious identity."
What blows my mind is how Christianity changed the world, inspired cathedrals and architectural wonders, music and symphonies, art, words, a legal system, and changed peoples’ lives. At Christmas my minister asks for “World Peace and a pair of black socks.” Whether you ask for hot Wasabi green peas or a good football game, may your Christmas experience bring you joy and good will. Lord knows, our world needs it.
Featured during the holidays in our home are familiar and treasured decorations—some made of tin, or perhaps they’re painted aluminum, but they are reminders of what my children used to call “the olden days.” In my front hall a statue of three dancers wear red ribbons and silver halos during the month of December. Bells, ribbons, greenery, Santas, cards, and candles make mundane spots sparkle. Up and down the streets, homes are decked with lights, and everyone seems a bit more festive than usua
I love how my church looks during Christmas with its decorations—a tall tree in the sanctuary, huge wreaths with red bows at the stained glass windows, candles on the window sills, and of course the Nativity, poinsettias, and garlands along the choir rails. When we become so politically correct, that Christmas ceases to be a spiritual experience and since putting up and taking down decorations takes so much time and effort, the question comes up…. Why bother? Instead of school Christmas pageants or the Nativity scene that used to be featured on the Courthouse Square of most little American towns, we attend school “winter concerts.”
Back in 2006, Scott Korb and Leon Morris wrote, “Christmas can remind all of us that our particular religious stories have meaningful and relevant messages for the 21st century, more profound than shopping and acquisition, and more diverse than one holiday season can accommodate. In this spirit, people of all faiths can admire the unique beauty and pageantry of their neighbors’ holiday while always remaining true to their own religious identity."
What blows my mind is how Christianity changed the world, inspired cathedrals and architectural wonders, music and symphonies, art, words, a legal system, and changed peoples’ lives. At Christmas my minister asks for “World Peace and a pair of black socks.” Whether you ask for hot Wasabi green peas or a good football game, may your Christmas experience bring you joy and good will. Lord knows, our world needs it.
RSS Feed
