Something for a newsletter later in the year.
Christmas Stories - Folk or Faith?
Little Miss 4 year old was excited. She was going to be in the School Christmas Play. She was excited that there was going to be elves at the stables, and she was going to be one. I think she met angels! It is hardly surprising, in the movie “Love Actually” they were using lobsters at the school Christmas story. Understandably she was getting what I call “Christmas Folk Traditions” and “Christian Faith Traditions” mixed up.
So what is the difference? In short, Folk traditions are anything involving Santa, reindeers and elves, etc. And, Faith traditions are the Christian stories of birth of Jesus Christ. They are two different sets of stories, despite the overlap.
Whoever we are, Christmas is often a time when we think about the relationships that we have with family & friends. (If only to wonder what to give them this year - or not.) It is a time when we think of things like love, hope, peace and joy. We may even reflect on the mystery of and wonders of life and how good it can be. These stories may even feed and nurture that reflection.
So as we approach Christmas, I invite you to pause and explore what you believe is important for you about Christmas, about life. For all of us, there is often more light, truth, sometimes even real wisdom ready to break into our lives.
May you have a Happy Christmas and a wonderful New Year! And see you next year! Cogs
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