by Gordon Hamilton

Created on: December 17, 2008

The history of Christmas is not about who celebrated what, when or where. It is not about what Pope said this, or what reformer disagreed with him. The history of Christmas is not about what we got as a present last year, who never bought for us when we bought for them, or whose turn it is to do the cooking this year. It is not about all the parties we are looking forward to and will attend or how we are going to find the money to cover our expenses.

The history of Christmas should focus upon what the original Christmas message brought to the world and has continued to bring to the world since the time of its very first broadcasting. It should focus upon the love and the hope it has brought to mankind, down through all the centuries, the chances it has brought to us for salvation from our sins for all eternity, the display of love and affection it has brought from God to all of us, his children below.

Please indulge me for a moment and read through what I have written below. I hope that it means as much to you reading it as it did to me writing it.

"Once in Royal David's City," "Away in a Manger," "While Shepherds Watched," a child was born unto a virgin, in a lowly stable, on a peaceful and "Silent Night." "Angels from the Realms of Glory" urged, "O Come All Ye Faithful," worship the new born King. Far away, three wise men decided, "We Three Kings of Orient Are," and we are going to see the new King, bearing gifts.

That "First Noel," a chosen few uttered, "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing," but absent were "The Holly and the Ivy," "Good King Wenceslas," and even "Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer." There were no elaborate decorations upon which we could "Jingle Bells." All that mattered was that "Joy to the World" had been given like never before.

This Christmas and every one, as all over the world, "Good Christian Men Rejoice," while they "Deck the Halls" and exclaim such as "O Christmas Tree," let us spare a thought for that "Child in a Manger," "Once Upon a Midnight Clear," and allow the true history and message of Christmas to continue evermore as it was always meant to be. Spread the love and joy of the occasion in the sense that it was always meant to be spread and ensure that another two millennia from now and more, people continue to write and marvel about, "The History of Christmas."

I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, now and always.

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