In previous years, this was the time for me to write a short column about Christmas in the local paper. I must admit, I miss those days now that I am retired.
In Canada, at this time of year, we use “Christmas” on our calendars and in much of our formal correspondence. This title is related to the Christian ethos that was a part of our continent for many years.
Our society has changed. One word describing Canada is pluralism. There are many competing religions or centres of thought related to the big questions of life – God, people, purpose and reality. Hence the display of many happy phrases at this time of year for Hannukkah, Kwanzaa, Winter Solstice, and even the generic Holidays.
As a Christian, over the years I have been forced to shine a light on my own beliefs in light of others beliefs. The generic Christmas traditions of love, family, charity and a sense of warmth towards others are good traditions – not in opposition to my own traditions.
Unfortunately, the mashup of terms and traditions we are now seeing has left us wondering what the season is all about. I don’t profess to know!
I do know what my own traditions bring me to celebrate.
The 140 characters of Twitter have forced many of us to consider what we would say in an elevator – as compared to an extended time spent around a dinner or board room table. In those relaxed settings we could discuss such topics as trinity, sin, repentance, redemption, sanctification, glorification, holiness, and other big words that in just a few characters describe huge ideas.
So, here goes my short version of Christmas:
Jesus. Born. God/Man. From heaven -& earth. Eats, sleeps, plays, lives. Sees world, knows world, loves world, dies for world. Joy to the world.
OK, I was close – 149 characters!
Describing the impact on the over 7 billion characters living on this earth.
Merry Christmas.
