A moment of review is in order about Christmas.
First we need to look at the traditions that are just that, traditions. Start with the date. The Bible gives no indication of the date Jesus was born. Christmas was just a day chosen by the church to remember the birth of Christ. It is short for Christ’s Mass. It is like Saint Michael’s Mass or any of the other events used as teaching devices by the church. After you have established that, move on to all the pictures and songs you have heard. There is no mention of a donkey. Mary probably walked to Bethlehem. We don’t know how many wise men there were. I doubt if you had been there the baby would have been adorned with a visible halo. I doubt that the baby Jesus spent his time in the pose depicting the crucifixion, as you see in many nativities. Maybe you have not noticed the outstretched hands and crossed feet. It is doubtful that the wise men and shepherds were there at the same time or that Jesus was still in the manger when the wise men showed up.
What do we know? Jesus was born in a stable. Mary was a virgin. She knew it and God made sure that Joseph knew it. Jesus was the Word made flesh, the incarnation. Jesus was fully man and fully God. There were angels, wise men and shepherds. The reason He came was to die on the cross for the forgiveness of sins.
So, Merry Christmas or Exalted Incarnation. Celebrate quietly or with great enthusiasm. Have a tree if you want it, or not. We removed Santa Claus but still did stockings. Our story was the wise men came and filled them. Whether you believe all this or not, take a moment to love those near you and think about those far away. If you reject the unique place of Jesus then just be glad for a teaching that advocates forgiveness and generosity. Enjoy it while you can.
homo unius libri
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Comments are welcome. Feel free to agree or disagree but keep it clean, courteous and short. I heard some shorthand on a podcast: TLDR, Too long, didn't read.