I wonder if that word will bother anyone. I hope so. I hope that it bothers people the way that X-mas does. Interestingly, the x doesn't stand for anything the way that it does in Math. I was taught that it comes from Xristos and is the first letter of Jesus last name (as we've come to pretend) which might as well be an X because we don't actually know which first century Yeshua we're talking about (it's not an uncommon name). However, it may be more enlightening to use it the way we do in Math.
A video posted on Facebook prompted me to start this thread. I'm kind of tired of Christmas/seasonal stuff already and the video at the link below sums it up. Anyone got other seasonal items that are weird, wacky and fun to break the monotony? (I'd like to add the proviso that I'm not talking about church being monotonous but the overall culture surrounding our winter celebrations.)
As we head into this advent season I wanted to reflect on Christmas and what it means to me. And then I realised that it means nothing to me. At least this year. I'm bored. I'd rather just head out to the lake with Peter and James and go fishing. Jesus can come too. I hear he's pretty good luck on the water. If I found myself at the manger (of Christ, Orsiris, or Horus depending on your myth) I'd probably be too busy playing with the animals to care what's going on.
I love Christmas. I really do. I just wanted to say that upfront before I begin this thread. I love Christmas.....and yet I struggle to put one foot in front of another at this time of year. The pace quickens, expectations rise and I find it a little overwhelming.
Are you looking for inspiration for the Christmas season? Check the current issue of Mandate to read about several United Church congregations that found ways to turn some of the season’s challenges into opportunities that benefit their environmental and community outreach programs.
