The approach of the Christmas season is
a time when the yearly routine of life often changes. Even before Thanksgiving
is past, we begin to see signs of the approaching holiday. It is interesting to
remember that the term "holiday" has its origin in "holy
day." A basic meaning of holy is that which is set apart; that which is
different from the ordinary. Thus, a holy day or "holiday" is meant
to be a time set apart for a specific remembrance or celebration...
Christmas, however, is more than a day;
it is a season. The season before the day is called "Advent." This is
a religious term that refers to having a season of preparation for a special,
holy day. Therefore, the time prior to the actual day of Christmas has become
the season that is filled with special meaning; not the least of which is the
symbolism of Christmas...
Too often we look at things and fail to
think about what they can mean to us. Life is full of symbols... The more we
understand the symbolic meanings, the more we will be able to strengthen
ourselves, and others, in the faith.
In
1906, Helen Keller was quoted in the December issue of Ladies' Home Journal as
saying, "The only real blind person at Christmas is he who has not
Christmas in his heart."
-- Rev. Kenneth A. Mortonson in
the introduction to The Advent Instructor: Reflections on Christmas
Symbolism
#3775
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