The heart of Christmas

by Mary Jo

Christmas has many kinds of celebrations, from watching one of the many versions of A Christmas Carol to feasting with family and friends to crazed shopping, but at heart, it has always been a religious holiday.  Christ's Mass = Christmas.  Many, many people go to services: Children's services, candlelight services, midnight masses.  I saw a news story that in Belgium, on Christmas Eve school children put lighted candles on the graves of over a thousand Canadian soldiers who died in the liberation of Belgium in World War II.

I love this image from thegraphicsfairy.com which shows people leaving an English village church after a Regency winter service.  (I've written such scenes a time or two.)  I love visiting places of worship to feel the spirit and admire beautiful craftsmanship. 

Long ago, when I lived in Oxford, I several times made brass rubbings at New College Chapel.  Few churches allow rubbings any more because over time it damages the brass memorial plates, but even though it was hard on the knees, I cherish those memories, and never more than when the choir or an organist was practicing.  Magnificent! 

The origin of the word holiday is "holy day."  There are other religious holidays of many faith traditions in December and January, and all of them give us the opportunity to pause, reflect, and rejoice.

Mary Jo adding a picture of the majestic interior of New College Chapel in Oxford.  The brasses I rubbed were in the vestibule but I always took time to look into the sanctuary. 

 

Comments

[Mary M.]

Just look at those ladies out in the snow with no outer garments! Brrr (and a ).

There is something in Christmas that touches the heart, whether one is any variety of believer or not. Maybe it's the feeling of renewal as the days turn from increasing hours of darkness to the renewal of light. Or just a soft spot for a new and innocent little life among us?

[Sue McCormick]

Wonderful illustrations.

I cherish the Christmas season and the hope for human improvement that it rekindles.

[Mary Jo Putney]

Mary M, one was wearing a cloak over her shoulders and all have hats, but I do hope they live close to the church! I think you're correct on both points--the holidays speaks to us as a celebration of the returning light, and the hope inspired by new life.

[Mary Jo Putney]

Sue, may that hope come true!

[Anne Gracie]

My mother made a lot of brass rubbings when we lived in Scotland and travelled around the Uk a lot. I gave them all away. I'm sorry now I didn't;t keep any, but at least they went to good homes.

[Mary Jo Putney]

Anne, those brass rubbings do take up space! I gave some away, but I've kept a few as remembrances of a special two years in my life.