It has been surprising to me how many Christ-followers do not know the timing of events related to the birth of their Savior. A mixture of tradition and good storytelling have confused many, so Think-Biblically.com is taking a moment to explain the timeline of events that may contain a surprise or two even for the seasoned believer.
If you have not read yesterday’s article From Saint Nicholas to Santa Claus, please go back and read it first. This will make much more sense with the foundation that article supplies. If you have read yesterday’s article, then you already know of Saint Nicholas’ connection to Christmas and why he is associated with the act of giving gifts. What you may not know is how this man of faith may have begun the tradition of hanging a stocking “by the chimney with care.”
As mentioned yesterday, there appears to be a significant lack of Christmas spirit this season. One of the most time-honored ways of producing that spirit is the Christmas carol, especially when it is combined with the practice of “caroling”.
Legend has it the origins of the Christmas Tree tradition begins nearly 1,300 years ago in central Germany. Before we get there, however, we must start our story a few decades earlier in a British manor outside London, England. Young Winfrid, against the objection of his parents, entered a Benedictine monastery where he studied the Scriptures and grew in intellect, holiness and piety. After reading of the adventures of monks who had brought Christianity to his island home a century before, Winfrid longed to become a missionary himself. He journeyed to Rome to obtain the permission of Pope Gregory II. So delighted was the Pope with the young man’s fire for the gospel, he not only granted Winfrid his permission, but changed his name as well to the better known Boniface.
In the first of the Christmas Tradition articles, “Christmas Trees”, we discovered one possible origin of the tradition is Martin Luther. When walking home one Christmas Eve Martin Luther was suddenly struck by the beauty of a grouping of evergreens lightly dusted in snow. In the moonlight they shimmered and glowed with what he believed to be the holiness of the season. Once home Martin chopped down a small fir tree and took it inside to share the experience with his children. As they were celebrating the birth of the light of the world, they decorated the tree with candles. Probably sometime after his inspiration for the Christmas tree Martin Luther, vexed by the attention St. Nicholas was given by the Catholics, invented a story to restore the focus of the season on the Savior. He created Christkind.
Ever wonder where the legend of Santa Claus came from? Or the tradition of giving gifts at Christmas time? How did the celebration of Jesus’ birth turn into the largest commercial gift-giving franchise of all history? Well gather around, sit back in a comfortable chair near the fireplace, and prepare to be entertained by a bit of history.
I’m taking a quick time-out on our normal holiday schedule to address a concern that this country is not getting with the Christmas Spirit. Yes, I’m looking at you Ferguson, New York, Los Angeles and Denver. For all the rioting concerning Michael Brown and Eric Garner there is one point that bears understanding: Neither of these two individuals would be dead today if they hadn’t broken the law. It doesn’t matter what color any of the participants in these dramas are, plain and simple, these two men made some seriously bad decisions and it got them killed.
Last year we published an article called “Are you Ready?” where we provided a couple biographies of well-known people and ways to bridge the conversation to Jesus. We heard from several readers how helpful this was so Think-Biblically.com has decided to make this an annual story.
Next Sunday begins the final week of Advent, the week leading up to the primary celebration of our savior’s birth. Just as the angels heralded the arrival of God’s son so we are to announce the purpose of that coming and a warning to those without hope in God of the coming judgment.
While the return of Jesus could have happened at any point in history, it has never been so likely as it is to happen in the next year. This could very well be the believer’s last Christmas on earth. With that understanding this season should inspire us all the more to live rightly, make amends where necessary and prepare oneself to humbly enter the presence of the King of kings and Lord or lords.
Next Sunday begins the second week of Advent. Each week is designed to move the believer to a place of expectancy. The Messiah came into this world once which ought to solidify our faith in his return. The readings are also intended to invoke a spirit of anticipation, for while the Messiah returns as Judge we are assured of our escaping judgment through our faith in Him. Finally, the season as a whole is to move us to a place of preparation, preparing our lives and our being for the joyous return of our God and savior Jesus.
Today begins the season of Advent, a four week celebration of the first coming of the Messiah as Christ-followers eagerly await the second coming. In a way it is the Christian version of the Jewish holiday Sukkot, or Feast of Tabernacles, which depicts the time when God will dwell with Men once more. Celebrated mostly by the liturgical churches of the world, there is a great benefit in understanding and celebrating this tradition even for evangelicals. The season begins on the fourth Sunday before Christmas and begins the liturgical New Year in western churches.