Reflect

During Advent of 1954, an article by C.S. Lewis was published in Britain. (You can find the article, “Xmas and Christmas” in the collection God in the Dock. The article was a speculation as to what might be written by fourth century B.C. historian Herodotus if he were to visit modern Britain in December. Herodotus notices that tremendous time, energy, and expense are put into preparation for the festival held on December 25, most of the activity centering around the exchange of paper squares with pictures on them and the exchange of trivial gifts. So much effort is spent preparing, he notes, that most sleep until noon on the festival day itself, then arise to eat five times as much as normal. Herodotus dubs this festival “Xmas.”

He also notes that a few people celebrate a separate festival, called Christmas, at the same time. This festival occurs in a temple decorated with images of a woman and newborn child surround by animals and shepherds who are adoring the child.

—Andy McClung

Question

1. Do you think there are really two holidays on December 25, one secular and one religious? Why or why not?
2. Does your family do more to celebrate “Xmas” or “Christmas”?
3. What about your congregation? Your community? Our nation? Our world? What one element of our Christmas celebration most needs renewal?
4. The meaning of the X in Xmas has been lost through the years. The X is actually the Greek symbol for Christ, thus not leaving Christ out of Christmas. How has the Christmas celebration changed in your lifetime? What lost Christmas tradition or meaning would you most like to renew?

Act

1. Instead of buying gifts this Christmas, consider making gifts, or giving gifts of service. Limit the gift exchanging to close family only.
2. Do some research and celebrate Christmas in the tradition of another culture each year. Involve the whole family and/or congregation, in choosing the culture, doing the research, and planning the celebration.
3. Christmas is far more than one day of gifts and food. Renew the traditions of celebrating Advent and Epiphany in your family and congregation.
4. Greet people today by saying “Happy New Year”! If they ask, explain that today is the first Sunday of Advent, the beginning of the Christian year.

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