Searching for the Real Christmas

Christmas has come under attack from new directions this year. On one hand there has been the moves in some institutions to play down Christmas celebrations so as not to offend the significant minority of non-christians in our community. On the other hand, there has been the growing feelings of discontent amongst a significant minority of Christians that what we call "Christmas" is far removed from the real thing. Some of these views are expressed in the latest Southern Cross. I have also heard them aired here in St Mark's!

What is Christmas really all about? What is the real "Spirit of Christmas" that I have heard mentioned many times? Is this simply a distillation of the good feelings that most people have at this time or is there some deeper reality to carry us through the aftermath of Bali, the ravages of the drought and the threatening dark cloud of Iraq?

Much of what we think of as Christmas is based on mythology, and has no more substance than children's fairy tales. This is patently obvious with the 'Santa' cult that symbolises the hedonism and materialism of our age. But it is also true of what one clergyman described as "the Jesus myth".

Many of the details of the story of Jesus' birth have no basis in the Bible. For example, the ideas that Mary rode on a donkey, that Jesus was born in a stable, that shepherds brought gifts to Jesus, or that the wise men went to the stable are not found in the Scripture. What the Bible does tell us that God caused a Jewish peasant girl to become pregnant with his child; and that the birth of this child, in very humble circumstances, was announced by a choir of angels, is considered by modern thinkers to by just as mythical as legends of Santa.

Yet the heart of the Christian message, as proclaimed by the angels and verified by the figures such as the old man Simeon and the prophetess Anna, in the Temple, and the disciples who were to later witness Jesus' life, death and resurrection, is that this baby was none other than "a Saviour, who is Christ, the Lord."

This is the message of great joy for those who are looking for a saviour, who are struggling to find any meaning and hope in a world of terrorism, oppression and injustice. It is far from joyful for those who are worshipping the gods of materialism. And, he is coming back to destroy this material world and those who refuse to submit to his Father.

There is a challenge story in Exodus 32:5-10 of a great festival that the Israelites held. There were great sacrifices offered to the Lord, followed by eating, drinking and revelry. But the Lord's anger burned against them, because they had set up an idol!

The real spirit of Christmas is not to be found in partying and celebrations, but rather in submission to and worship of the God who loved us so much that he gave his Son to save us.

John Davies

22 December 2002