It i s good to look around and see the way Christmas is celebrated in different lands. It is surprising to some of us to realize that for well more than half the world a white Christmas is ridiculous.
Here on Guam, there is an event that has been going on for decades,Operation Christmas Drop. An Air Force specialist told me that participating in this annual event is a highly desired opportunity.
Kathy found out about another local Christmas tradition. Some new friends of hers told Kathy that they couldn't go anywhere on Christmas morning because the Baby Jesus might come by. They were probably referring to this practice.
Around the world, Saint Nicholas has evolved into a personage very much associated with Christmas. His image has morphed into various shapes that fit the various cultures. In the USA we are familiar with the image made famous by Clement Moore in his poem. Consider though:
- In the UK, Father Christmas wears a hooded blue cloak.
- Father Frost, in Russia and Ukraine, is accompanied by young women, snow maidens, rather than elves.
- The Dutch Sinterklass rides a white horse instead of a reindeer propelled sleigh.
- In parts of Germany, it is a female, Christkind, who brings gifts to good children.
Around the world, Christmas, and the various traditions associated with it, have taken on looks and feels that are at home in those places. I'm not saying that we are any more likely to find the truth behind Christmas in those other lands than we are in the jangling of sleigh bells in an American shopping mall, but looking at Christmas around the world does serve to remind us that Christ did not come for just one nation or people. He came to call out a people from every people group.
Not only did Jesus come. He sent. The task He began is not completed. As we celebrate Christmas 2017, let's do so in keeping with Christ's mandate to make disciples where ever we are and go.Where ever you are,
MERRY CHRISTMAS.It's STTA (Something To Think About).
|
|
|
|
No comments:
Post a Comment