(The context of this quote is a hypothetical look at then current Christmas in Britain, represented as Niatrirb, through the eyes of a Greek historian. The result is a comparison of the secular holiday, Exmas and the religious holiday, Chrissmas.)
But what Hecataeus says, that Exmas and Crissmas are the same, is not credible. For first, the pictures which are stamped on the Exmas-cards have nothing to do with the sacred story which the priests tell about Crissmas. And secondly, the most part of the Niatribians, not believing the religion of the few, nevertheless send the gifts and cards and participate in the Rush and drink, wearing paper caps. But it is not likely that men, even being barbarians, should suffer so many and great things in honour of a god they do not believe in.
C. S. Lewis, 1898-1963, Xmas and Christmas: A Lost Chapter from Herodotus, God in the Dock (Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing, 1970, p. 303)
Does it sometimes seem like we are celebrating two different holidays this time of year? How do we deal this situation?
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It does seem that way Mike. Guess it depends on how you celebrate the day. From my post on Xmas ...
ReplyDelete"When you get right down to it, the best way to “keep Christ in Christmas” is to model Christlike behavior."
Can't disagree with that one.
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