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BREAD FOR THE JOURNEY BLOG@ Rhythms of Grace: a Journey into RestSustenance for the journey into rest and peace
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NEW SERIES: CHRISTMAS TREE DIARIES Christmas is just around the corner: soon the jumpers will be on, the turkey stuffed, carols will play in supermarkets, and trees will be erected ready for their splendour. The question is, ‘What is it all for?’ For many, the trappings of Christmas have become a habit, at best providing a focus for creative expression, or a colourful context for significant relationships; at worst diseased by crass commercialism, and over-indulgence. And all too often, Emmanuel, whom we say is the reason for it all, has been reduced to a slot between presents and the Christmas dinner. How do we truly honour the Lord in this season? Do we add more church events, or carve out more personal devotional time in the press of preparation? Or do we ditch the trappings entirely, and focus on the core message. Many Christians have come to the latter conclusion, and have put aside the traditional celebrations. However, I would like to suggest that much of the stuff of Christmas can be reimagined in a way which profoundly connects us to Emmanuel—God with us. FAITH-FILLED Our lives are supposed to be faith-filled—all the time—with no exceptions. Paul, writing to the Romans, states strongly that, ‘the righteous will live by faith’, and ‘everything that does not come from faith is sin’! [Romans 1:17; 14:23]. In his day, one pressing concern was whether Christians should obey Hebrew dietary laws, and whether meat bought in the marketplace had been used in pagan practices. Paul’s response was that the choice was down to personal conviction—and they were not to judge a brother or sister who had come to a different conclusion—but whatever they did, the real issue was the faith they invested in their meals, rather than the question of sources and religious requirements [Romans 14; 1 Corinthians 8]. This principle can be applied to the issue of Christmas. The genesis of many of our festive customs are lost in the mists of time, despite the internet being awash with claims—usually without any historical citation—that most of our Christmas traditions have been ‘stolen’ from our pagan forebears. The truth is much more complicated, but these possible pagan origins pose a real stumbling block to many believers. The choice to withdraw from such conventions, or continue with them, is a matter for personal conviction, but the true value of any celebratory activity in the present is determined by the faith we invest in it. Over the next few weeks, I would like to invite you to take time out to discover how one such custom, the Christmas Tree, viewed with eyes of faith, can be both the means of encountering Emmanuel, and a powerful means of grace to others. In the frenzy that is the modern Christmas, I hope this ‘personal retreat’ will leave you feeling inspired, refreshed and expectant. THIS WEEK’S GRACE RHYTHM
In addition, take time to reflect on your Christmas ‘to do’ list. How much faith do you invest in each of these activities, and how much are they done out of habit? NEXT WEEK: SHOULD CHRISTIANS HAVE CHRISTMAS TREES? A considered perspective on a prickly subject! GET IN TOUCH!
[Photo credits: Niklas Ohlrogge (gingerbread); Eugenia Pan (Christmas tree);
Annie Spratt (evergreens) @ Unsplash, with thanks]
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