Christmas Thoughts
For 2016

Originally Posted at "The Deliberate Agrarian": 25 December 2014
Repost To Upland: 24 December 2016

"Simeon's Prophecy to Mary"
by Rembrandt (1628).
This is a seldom mentioned but significant part of the true
Christmas story and can be found in Luke 2:25-35.
Click Here for information about the photo.

Jesus was probably born in the spring, not on December 25, and the Bible does not say Christians should celebrate the birth of Christ, and many Christmas traditions have their roots in paganism, and Christmas has been commercialized in order for merchants to make money, and many Christians throughout history (the Pilgrims and early Puritans among them) never celebrated Christmas at all, and I myself, knowing these things, have been ambivalent about Christmas in times past. But I’ve come to the conclusion that I’m good with Christmas now. Here’s why....

First, Jesus Christ, God incarnate, was born, and his birth changed the world. Any holiday acknowledging this event as something very special is, in my opinion, a good thing.

Second, Christmas has become such a thorn in the side of secularism (the religion of popular culture and the state) that I can’t help but enjoy seeing how institutions and some people try to celebrate the holiday without celebrating the holiday, if you know what I mean. Christmas is an annual reminder, in the midst of post-Christian America, of our Christian heritage, and the advent of Jesus Christ.

Third, Christmas is a unique time of the year when families and friends typically gather together in an atmosphere of joy and celebration. It’s an opportunity to express kindness, to remember the past, and, hopefully, to acknowledge the reason for the season. That’s all good.

I respect fellow Christians who, for whatever reason, choose not to celebrate Christmas.   I think this old Christian refrain applies...

In the essentials, unity.
In the non-essentials, liberty.
In all things, charity (love).

So, do as you please, but I’m going to keep this tradition and enjoy the holiday. And you can be sure I won’t be wishing those I know a “joyous winter solstice.”

Merry Christmas, my friends.

Herrick Kimball


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P.S. For a good perspective on the origins of Christmas, Click This Link from Answers in Genesis. There you will find this final comment...

What should be of greater concern to Christians is the extent to which we have adopted some of the pagan practices during Christmas-time. Some have gone overboard on this, and we should be cautious of making Christmas about mythical images like Santa, Charlie Brown, Rudolph, and so on, rather than the birth of Christ and why He came to save those who were lost.
What is important is that we understand the implication of the omnipotent Son of God leaving His heavenly throne to empty Himself! Why would the Creator of the universe choose to do this, knowing He would be raised by sinful parents in a sinful world to be rejected and to die a horrible death? 
Unbelievable as it is, it was to pay the penalty for the sin of humankind (Romans 3:23, 6:23) so that we, undeserving, hateful sinners—doomed to die, could instead live with Him in paradise for eternity. Now, that is worth celebrating! Find out more about this wonderful gift.


"The Shepherd's Adoration"
Bartome Murillo (17th century)



4 comments:

  1. I too was brought up eschewing Christmas for the exact same reasons (along with a long list of biblical quotes!). We staunchly and 'righteously' stood our ground being anti-christmas.
    ...but life happened and things touched my cold theology-driven heart across the years and I became open to the finer qualities of our Lord. Needless to say that Christmas has beautifully softened and enriched my family for the last decade now and we keep it with happiness and simplicity. We go to the Anglican Cathedral for 9 lessons and carols each year and am usually in tears by the end as the 9 lessons step us through the promises to Eve, Abraham, David the prophets and lastly the Gospel of John.....the scriptures constrain me to respond and be a better man.

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  2. May the JOY of the true Christmas bring happiness to you and your family all year long, Herrick.

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  3. Thank you, Mr. HomeMaker and Mary Beth.

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  4. Elizabeth L. Johnson said,
    A very after-Christmas, Merry Christmas! I noticed throughout our shopping no one greeted me with Happy Holidays! Everyone told me Merry Christmas! It was wonderful to read your blog entry, Herrick, as well as Mr. Home Maker. I, personally, would appreciate making our family Christmas much more simple. It seems to be more work, than the relationships I so dearly desire. I will definitely make this a matter of prayer...afterall, I did so before Thanksgiving, and it was probably the best ever! Duh.

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