Letters From Leavers

Dear Church,

I attended the children’s christmas program yesterday with my son. He had no desire to be in it, but wanted to come as an observer. The children were adorable dressed in their Christmas best. Even the tiny tot picking her nose in the front row was charming! I would never criticize or condemn the sincerity and innocence of the children or their enthusiasm as they poured their hearts into the message. My problem is with the basic message, handed down by the adults, of course. The basic premise was that Jesus is the reason for the season, and without the manger you have no christmas. Whoa! Hold on, there! History teaches us that the winter holiday celebrated by pagans was full of debauchery and mythological rituals. Early Christians would not participate due to the anti-chrisitan nature of the revelry. Feeling left out, it was decided that they would “baptize” the holiday and use it as an occasion to celebrate the birth of the christ child. It is this reason that the Puritans never celebrated the holiday. Ok, that’s all fine and dandy, and probably most Christians today celebrate it. Nobody really cares about those long forgotten pagan traditions (except we still have  a yule log, and kiss under the mistletoe!). But to say that without Jesus there would be no Christmas is misleading and down right untrue. It is also untrue that non believers miss “the point” of the holiday. My non christian friends cherish the closeness of family and friends, and share with those in need. I am enjoying my first holiday season without the pressure of having to spiritualize everything from the decorations to the gifts. There is sweet freedom in reaching out to others without the pretense of presenting them with the “reason for the season,” as if giving to others in love is not reason enough.

christmas, history, holidays, mistletoe, pagans, pressure, reason for the season, yule log