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Vestry Corner: Christmas
Christmas—Its origin can be traced to the pagan tradition of honoring the winter solstice, the longest day of the year. The rebirth of the sun and the triumph of light over darkness was celebrated. Evergreen trees were thought to ward off evil spirits during the cold winter months. Another tradition was the giving of gifts.
Although most theologians postulate Christ’s birth actually coincided with the spring, under the 4th century reign of Emperor Constantine, the birth of Jesus became aligned with the winter solstice celebrations in order to attract both Christians and gentiles. Modern day Christmas became a federal holiday in June 1870 when signed into law (along with Thanksgiving and New Year’s) by President Ulysses S. Grant. This again was an attempt to bring together the US North and South following a divisive and brutal Civil War and very unpopular Reconstruction period. The tradition of Christmas gift sharing was perpetuated by Grant. There is a bill of sale for the pawn of his cherished gold watch. Much of the proceeds from the sale were thought to have been used to fund the purchase of Christmas gifts for his wife and children.
Today we mark Christmas with the world’s greatest gift—the birth of our Savior. The holiday is to foster unity and goodwill. It serves as a time of reflection to appreciate blessings, our shared humanity and extend compassion to those less fortunate. Christmas encourages us to strengthen and prioritize our bonds of love and support. It embodies the spirit of love, giving and togetherness. Paul in 1Corinthians 13:13 reminds us, “And now these three remain: faith, hope and love, But the greatest of these is love.” It is not what you get for Christmas, but what you give. God is love and commands us to love one another. Love supersedes all.
Merry Christmas to you and yours,
Nancy Griner
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