PROTESTANTS IGNORED CHRISTMAS
When I have a familiar topic to discuss, I like to do a little research. I discovered that in
the early America’s Christmas did not come over on the Mayflower. As a matter of fact the protestant churches didn’t even begin to celebrate Christmas until in the 1800's. When they decided they wanted to join the festivities, they went to find out what the Catholic’s did. As they began to create their own celebration, traditions became apparent because of the different ethnic groups that were there. The tree came from Germany; Santa Claus from the Netherlands; eggnog from Jamestown; Poinsettias from Mexico; Christmas cards from England; Caroling began in England; stockings were taken from legends of St Nicolas in England and America; Noel is a word for Christmas in French; Mistletoe had magical powers according to the Celtic. England found better uses for it by hanging it over the one you wanted to kiss. Central America, through Frances of Assisi, would have a manger scene.

The story goes that most churches didn’t celebrate December 25th because those who did were obnoxious and were looked upon with contempt. They were pagans! However, the Catholic Church with their stately and traditional values were able to celebrate Christ’s birth. The protestant churches began to celebrate Christ’s birth in their new traditional ways and found that bringing in all the ‘old’ countries traditions, set them apart. Interestingly enough, Christmas didn’t become a federal holiday until 1870! Today, the Christian is compromised in keeping Christ in Christmas!

We had an elderly lady in our church who’s name was Elizabeth. She was born in the late 1800's! When she was a child, Christmas was a one day affair. The buckboard would be prepared for a days journey and everyone in the community, which was spread out for miles because you had no near neighbor, were headed for the local church. It was a gala affair! As the neighbors arrived they were all greeted with joy and anticipation. There was a large live community Christmas tree, all decorated with pine cones and goodies. As each family arrived they would put a present for each of their children under the tree. By the time everyone was there, the tree looked like a wonderland of color.

Food was set out on long tables and the festivities would begin. Soon after they would all gather around the tree with candles in their hands. Each family would take turns placing their lit candles on the tree and it would glow in the darkness as they sang the carols of their time. Just before it was time to head back home, the gifts were handed out. On the way home, Elizabeth said that all the kids would snuggle down under the blankets with their one and only gift clutched tightly in their hands with visions of that beautifully lit Christmas tree still in their heads.
Can you imagine Christmas for one day? Can you imagine lit candles on your Christmas tree? Can you imagine a time without celebrating the birth of the baby Jesus? I can’t and I don’t want to! Christmas is Jesus! Jane Ann