What I think and how I see Christmas

How sweet this time of year is, whether you are of Christian faith or not. As we know this time of year is known as Christmas holidays because it is believed to be Jesus Christ’s birth. But as it is known, it never was his birthday; it is proven to be impossible by many indications in the New Testament of the Bible.

For example:

“First, we know that shepherds were in the fields watching their flocks at the time of Jesus (Luke 2:7-8). Shepherds were not in the fields during December. According to Luke’s account it suggests that Jesus may have been born in summer or early fall. Since December is cold and rainy in Judea, it is likely the shepherds would have sought shelter for their flocks at night"

“Second, Jesus' parents came to Bethlehem to register in a Roman census (Luke 2:1-4). Such censuses were not taken in winter, when temperatures often dropped below freezing and roads were in poor condition. Taking a census under such conditions would have been self-defeating.”

“Third, given the difficulties and the desire to bring pagans into Christianity, the important fact then, to get clearly into our heads, is that the fixing of the date as December 25th was a compromise with paganism. It has been fused with the winter Solstice pagan celebrations.”

But does that really matter? To be honest, I think not! Why? Because when we take the time to see the “meaning of Christmas” and to also look at the general behaviour of mankind during this time of year, we can clearly see (and feel) that whatever reason we as a people have to get into the celebrations of Christmas throughout gifts, food, music, family, friends, basically anything and everything that has to do with the gatherings, brings us joy and happiness. We don’t have to be Christians or Catholics or Christian Orthodox. We just have to open our hearts and embrace what this time of year has to offer freely with no inhibitions… Yes I did say “freely” even thou I am fully aware of the commercial side of it in this day and age. I know that we now buy expensive gifts, and often already made food, but we do take the time to put it all together regardless of what was bought or hand/homemade and that, no store can sell that… And even for those using designers and caterers to bring everything together in their homes or offices, well those people still give out their requirements for the decorations as well as what food shall be served. Which in the end can still to be considered a personal touch! And although all the commercial publicities on goods for this time of year and how “easy” it has become for the right price, another thing that cannot be bought is the laughter of said happy gatherings and the deep heartfelt conversation over dinner. The games most families plays in the evening (card games, board games, etc) or the songs we sing are spontaneous, we may have bought the tools but the joy that they bring are free!

We gather and wish each other, love, peace, health etc. we stand in closeness, we forget our differences we also put aside the arguments of the passing year for a short moment.
So to be honest whether or not we believe that this time of year is recognition for the birth of one of the greatest philosopher and of the most “avant-garde” man of his time or whether it has to be the celebration of the winter solstice, we look at one another with peaceful eyes, understanding as well as being forgiving which was given to us throughout traditions passed down by the generations before us.

And we also discover new things, new ways of celebrating this time of year. For me, this year was the very first time I witness a Christian church gathering, and heard the singing of psalms. I had heard many times about what they call “Advent” but never had seen the rituals surrounding it, with the lighting of the purple candles the prayers that are sang as they light them. I was completely mesmerized to see the absolute peace in people’s faces as they were listening to the Lutheran minister pray and bless those attending the service! Maybe I’m using the wrong word here but I believe it to be the only word to sum up how I perceived the whole experience.. It was “magical!”

Why was I so ignorant to the actual performances of the holiday? Well even thou my father were a Christian man (borderline fanatic!) I have chosen to light the Menorah every year. The deep meaning and traditions that surrounds the Chanukah celebration, appeals more to my deep faith and beliefs and as well as to be grateful for what the gift of light truly is. But the funny thing which I have learned about is that “Advent” also has to do with the gift of light!

In the end, it is a small world when we take the time to learn about what surrounds us and this time of year!
On this note I would like to add as a finishing touch:

“To all who are far from home in this time of year, for all who have found a new home away from home and for all who have loved ones oh so far away... May you find peace, joy and solace this Christmas time.. May you all remember that "home" is not a place, a country, a house and so on and so forth... "Home" is in each and everyone's heart!
I wish I could have my amazing son with me as well as those few friends that I call "family" which are so far away, but they are home with me since I always will carry them in my heart... And for those who are like me: none-Christian, take this time of the year as a remembrance of what love, compassion as well as friendship truly are... I know I do every day that I wake! I am thankful for all the blessings in my life, for the reason that when I take a step back I can see that there are many more blessings than there could ever be hardships!”

Blessed be my friends..