For the love of Dickens....

The truth of Christmas, like it or not is that it was originally a pagan holiday.

Originally the "season of giving" this pagan festival brought about by the Romans, was that of giving to your neighbors and releasing the servants of their duties for a time. The Catholic church sought to replace their sun worship, and replace it with "son" worship. It was much easier to assymilate the culture toward Christ by mixing the two.

When the protestants came along, they eventually banned Christmas on the basis of its pagan roots...the Puritans did the same.

Around the early 19th century, the English sought to save the dying holiday. Christmas was making a comeback. Charles Dickens felt that Christmas meant something, that we should take the time to help the less fortunate. His book "A Chritsmas Carol" single handedly changed Christmas into the holiday we celebrate today. On Christmas day 1843, his little book sold 6,000 copies. It had entered into the heart and soul of all who read it.

An American Industrialist; after reading the book, closed his factories on Christmas day.

Some criticized Dickens for making the conversion of Scrooge too abrupt, but Dickens argued that was the way true religion worked. He said it was the sudden revelation of the "right path" and the choice to follow it and change oneself.

Dickens was a working mans man. His heart was with the poor and underclassed. He challenged us to take this special time of year and remember those who are hurting and in need.

So while the season is still trotting out pagan traditions with evergreen and presents. It is also full of possibilities to do the will of our Father. Yes, we all know that Jesus was not actually born on December 25th. But, I think that this holiday is still the best one for celebrating his life. A day full of generosity and the promise of change. Change of heart, change of life.

A baby........remembered on this day...who is now at the right hand of the Father, watches us to see how we treat the poor. Dickens reminds us all so beautifully in his book that there is still a second chance to choose the right path.

I challenge us all to open our hearts and do something unexpected this season. Stop snubbing people for saying "Holidays", that is not the message of Christ. Worship your savior for who he is...and the promise he brings. Change your attitude, and you just may change the world.