Archive for December, 2005

Should we celebrate Jesus’ birthday on the 25th of December?
It is unlikely that this is the true historical date, just an arbitrary day proclaimed by Pope Julius 1 in 350 AD.

Should we decorate Christmas trees?
Christmas trees first appeared on the scene in Medieval Germany. We know that they were sold in Strasbourg by 1531 AD. Their origin lies in the mystery plays that were presented where the fir tree represented the Garden of Eden. When these plays were banned from churches, the trees found their way into people’s homes.

Does Santa fit in?
The figure of Santa Claus is a mixture of St. Nicholas, a compassionate and generous bishop who lived in Asia Minor during the 4th Century AD, and older pre-Christmas “spirits” that were associated with the northern European Yule Festivals.

Is it hurtful?
The puritins of the 17th Century took an extreme view of Christmas. England under Oliver Cromwell, banned Christmas because some of its practices had pagan overtones. However, history demonstrates that efforts to stamp out Christmas have been unsuccessful.

It Should be helpful!
God loves His people to celebrate and enjoy the good things He has placed in His world. He also desires us to recognise His divine provision and to acknowledge Him as our Creator and Lord. The key issue is not so much the traditions, but the meaning we attach to them. If our Christmas celebrations and traditions assist us to live more generous, joyful and peaceful lives, then we give new helpful meanings to practices that most people don’t know where or when they started.

Stephen Semenchuk