Skip to main content

For many thousands of years, the occasion of the Winter Solstice has been the object of celebration.  In antiquity, the wine and meat and grain from the fat months was still good, and it was best taken before it spoiled.  Way ancient peoples understood primitive astronomy, and celebrated the shortest day of the year.  Why not?  From the Solstice until the Equinox, days get longer.

 

But there's more.  In ancient times, the Greeks took into their homes evergreen boughs.  Not that the Mediterranean climate was deficient of evergreens, but there were seasons, after a fashion.  They also revered mistletoe, which fruited about this time.  The giving of gifts was common on this occasion as well.

 

The Druids, however, also took evergreen trees into their homes at the occasion of the Solstice.  Those particular pagans were notorious for alleging souls to trees, from whence comes our superstition of "knocking on wood".  Such knocking awakened the wood spirits to do the bidding of the Druids.

 

I could go on.  The Winter Solstice has been for many generations a time for celebration of life, for the search for the best in our fellow humans.  God knows, so to speak, that we need at least one day a year to do this.  I suggest we do it more often.

 

The Winter Solstice is the traditional birthday of many godmen.  Why not?  It only gets better from here, as the days get longer.  Even my Christian friends will admit that nowhere in the Bible is Dec. 25 mentioned.  It is a matter of mythology and tradition and culture, as is most of Xmas.

 

And so be it, and so let it be enjoyed!  Understand that the Winter Solstice has been celebrated long before Jesus, and for reasons that are beside him, such as fellowship, gifting, feasting, jollity, imbibing, visiting friends and family, and charity of mind and means alike.

 

I wish you a Merry Christmas, such as it is called these days.  It is a fine Holiday for believers and Rationalists alike. 

 

DF

Make time for great justice.  Expect us.

Original Post

Replies sorted oldest to newest

Hi Deep,

 

And, I wish you a Merry Christmas!  I have no problem with you celebrating the season for your own reasons.  And, I appreciate the fact that you accept that we Christians are celebrating the birth (regardless of the specific day) of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

 

While it is true that we not know the exact date of His birth; that does not make it less special to us.  I am reminded of the adopted orphan who, not knowing his/her real date of birth, is given a day to celebrate.  I am sure that day is no less special to him/her than my birthday and your birthday are to us.

 

For, after all, we are celebrating the life given to us -- and for many, another year of good health and prosperity.   We Christians have a deeper meaning for this day -- because, for us, we know that God has, by His grace, sent us a means, a Way, to eternal life.  And, we thank Him and praise Him for this special present He has given to all mankind -- to all who will accept His special gift.

 

God bless, have a glorious and merry Christmas, my Friend,

 

Bill

Deep, not really anything to disagree with you there. A lot of the traditions of Christmas have been adopted from other culture's celebrations. Christmas and December 25 isn't mentioned in the Bible. Ancient Christians began to celebrate Jesus' birth during Winter Solstice festivities so they could worship more openly in a hostile environment.

 

For Christians, it's a time to simply remember the birth of our Savior. It's also a time for everyone to meet with family, friends, and celebrate peace and good will.

 

So regardless of belief, Jewish, Muslim, Pastafarian, and Christian alike. Merry Christmas to everyone.

Add Reply

Post

Untitled Document
×
×
×
×
Link copied to your clipboard.
×