Christmas 2008

Sitting in the presence of one of my granddaughters, I cannot help but consider the changes within me during the last several years. Consider the times from childhood until sometime during my seminary education (surely, at least four years into the eight years), I went into Christmas season with images consistent with my childhood. Then, I found out that the biblical stories associated with Christmas were essentially myths, i.e., literary devices designed to convey some religious truth, not history. That was quite a change but I could accommodate this transition without sacrificing my integrity.

However, during the last several years I have come to a realization that religion, per se, is problematic. Whatever good is accomplished is outweighed by the disastrous history of bigotry, violence, and, a general disregard for truth. The inability to come to terms with facts contrary with reality is a grave concern to me. For an organization that is based on the history of God’s intervention in time, it is impossible for me to understand how the Church will act as though God stopped his intervention. The Church acts as though God does not intervene any longer.

So, here I am somewhat sad that the emotions that used to be attached to Christmas are no longer present. In its place, I have the image of my family that demonstrates love. I am now the object of love and, in turn, I can hold babies who love unconditionally. I never was involved in the material aspects associated with the modern celebrations of Christmas. In its place, I have loving adults and children and animals. It is more than one could deserve. I surely recognize the beauty of Christmas each day of the year.