1. Bainespal says:

    The origins of the holidays could be debated forever, but I think it’s pretty certain that the origins of Christmas and Easter are neither wholly Christian nor wholly pagan, but a mix that arose as Christianity influenced Western culture.
     
    But I don’t think we have to be ashamed of the pagan elements.  For Christmas, the celebration of the winter solstice meant a celebration of the rebirth of light as the darkest day of the year passed.  It’s fully appropriate that traditional Christian Christmas imagery should use light to represent Christ as the Light of the world, celebrating the glorious dawn that His historical birth brought, looking forward to the everlasting Day.
     
    The Jewish holidays ordained in the Bible are also intensely meaningful.  We could still celebrate them, to God’s glory, if we want to.  We could choose not to observe Christmas.  The days themselves do not matter.  I think that all days are the same.  The important thing is that we see the significance of God’s redemptive plan, and glorify Him for it.

  2. Galadriel says:

    Has anyone read C.S. Lewis’s essay “Exmas and Christmas?” It’s in his book God in the Dock, and here’s an online link if that’s simpler. It’s amazing how apt it is for modern celebrations.

  3. I don’t see the link, Galadriel, and I’d like to see it!
    Bainespal, I agree God neither requires us to celebrate certain holidays nor forbids our participation. We’re merely to recognize His working in our midst and celebrate it. Sometimes holidays can be useful in doing so, provided that’s our focus.

    • Got it, Galadriel – thanks – I was looking for something that looked like a link. Didn’t realize it was hiding in the message itself! (I’m quite the tech wizard, as you can see!)

What do you think?