Christmas is a strange time. It is many things to many people. The ancient Egyptians celebrated the birth of Horus on the 25th December and for the Pagan peoples of Northern Europe it was also a celebration of life and the rebirth of the sun. Hence the Santa figure dressed as a Shaman with his reindeer and the symbols of the Pagan solstice - Yule logs, Holly, Mistletoe and circular wreaths of winter greenery.
There is one common thread running through all of these and that is the hope inherent in new life. Horus was the symbol good prevailing over evil, the reborn sun the symbol of life to come. The early Church chose the winter solstice to celebrate the birth of Christ because it was rich in exactly the kind of symbolism that they wanted his birth to convey. They simply presented their choice as a promise fulfilled. The Pagan past, far from being a problem, foretold this coming. The Pagan elements, gifts and celebrations in themselves do not detract but rather enrich this message. To try and strip them out (as some would like to) is to totally fail to understand why this time was chosen in the first place.
Alas, the rampant consumerism of today masks and blurs all. This is, however, rather a new phenomenon - even in my childhood it was far less prevelant than it is now. I hope, however, that it is simply a passing phase. It is possible to really really enjoy this time of year without going completely crazy with a bit of plastic. (Least that is what I am telling the kids
)
So the message is simple, Hope - she who also came with Pandora's box.
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