Mostly it’s when I feel that something is indescribable that I feel compelled to try. Christmas is like that, and we’ve been a long time trying to describe Christmas. We all talk about it whether we believe in the Christ of Christmas or not. We try to describe it by the language of a pagan solstice, the language of the birth of a savior, the language of sharing and giving, and the language of economics.
But none thoroughly describe it and maybe that’s why so many houses have a pagan tree, a christian nativity, and loads of gifts all around. Because maybe the best part of Christmas is the something intangible about it. Bells that are calling out for a donation seem to inspire cheer despite our snarls. Out on a walk, snow swirls and hangs on the boughs in a pine forest turning every tree into a Christmas tree. We lose a little stress at the sound of a carol, or smile wide and relax at the smell of cider. We realize the days will soon be getting longer, and we light a little light to pierce the current dim.
“Jesus is the reason for the season,” goes the slogan of those who don’t wish Christ to be forgotten at Christmas. Sadly, many Christians lament the commercial takeover of Christmas without lamenting the commercial takeover of Christianity.
And yet, if we really get into an understanding of what this Christ person stood for, we get a pretty good picture of what most of us think of Christmas. And I’m talking about things like caring for those who have less than you, taking care of orphans and widows, of giving being better than receiving, and of being blessed as a maker-of-peace-on-Earth. Even non-believers would argue that those are good virtues to exude at Christmas time. And I would argue that Jesus didn’t want us only displaying them during the Holidays.
But then again, maybe it’s something indescribable. And now I’ve just managed to waste so many words trying to make sense of the beautiful impossible. So wherever you’re at. Merry Christmas.
