A non-Christian Christmas Reflection
I no longer consider myself a Christian. I have reached my current state of belief by following a twisted path that has taken me through stages of animism, pantheism, fundamentalism and all shades in between. I am still working out the kinks in my worldview, and I hope that they will never settle completely. However, over the last couple years, I have come to realize that I can no longer call myself a Christian and mean it.
I have a great deal of respect for the fundamental message of Christianity. I strongly support Jesus' teachings of social justice, humility and compassion even if his current followers occasionally misappropriate them for their own political ambitions. I do not however, believe in the dogmatic core of Christianity that Jesus was God made flesh and that only by submitting to him can we be rewarded with heaven. I feel that the reward and punishment system of Christianity casts many of the religion's good works in a selfish light while underestimating peoples' capacity for doing good of their own volition.
If I no longer consider myself a Christian, why do I celebrate Christmas? Furthermore, why is my annual attendance of Christmas mass one of the most enjoyable parts of my celebration? In short, because attending Christmas mass makes me realize that Christmas is about more than Christ. It is about more than God and heaven and angels and the story, concocted or otherwise, of a boy born in poverty who would grow up to shake civilization. Sitting in the pew at St. Joseph's church this evening, I realized that Christmas is about family, a sense of ties to the past and innocent hope for the future.
The church tonight was full of families brimming with the excitement of being together for the first time in a long while. Gray haired matriarchs sat surrounded by children home from college and grandchildren anxious with anticipation for the wonders the morning will bring. Husbands and wives sat with their arms around one another. Friends who hadn't seen each other for a long time hugged and greeted one another enthusiastically. The people in that church were not there to find redemption and reward in heaven. They were there first to be surrounded by those they love and only secondly because they believe.
While we should acknowledge those we love not just on Christmas, but every day, occasionally we lose track of the fact that there are people out there who care about us. The holiday season serves as a sort of catalyst to refocus our energy on those we love. The real test is whether we can carry those feelings throughout the year. I think Christmas' message of communion and connection with friends, loved ones and humanity as a whole is something that anyone, Christian or otherwise can appreciate.
Take time to remember and refocus on the ones you love this Christmas. They will get you through the hard times and celebrate with you when times are good. Even if you are on the road, hundreds of miles from home, sleeping in a barn, if you share your strength with those you love, you'll make it through the night.
So, to all my friends out there, I wish you a Merry Christmas.