A Fresh Perspective on Holiday Traditions Unveiled by the Church of England
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An unexpected guide to the festive season, featuring Christmas puddings, quirky jumpers, and Boxing Day chutney, has been introduced by the Church of England. This guide offers a fresh lens through which to view the holiday season.
Titled ‘Twelve Joys of Christmas,’ the guide explores elements typically omitted from church discussions. It aims to answer the question, ‘Where do I find joy at Christmas?’ in ways that resonate with both traditional and modern sentiments.
Authored by Nick Papadopulos, Dean of Salisbury Cathedral, the guide highlights that joy is found not only in the conventional aspects like the birth of Jesus and worship but also in the festive customs that accompany the season. Papadopulos expresses his fondness for Christmas trees, gifts, and culinary delights, acknowledging their role in bringing joy.
Each day of the guide features meditations that include scripture, questions, and prayers, focusing on elements often overlooked in other nativity narratives.
Papadopulos suggests that the divine can be glimpsed in the earthly joys of the season. He states, “At Christmas, we celebrate the divine becoming visible in the earthly. Isn’t it just possible that in this other stuff – this decidedly earthly stuff – we catch a glimpse of the divine? I believe that it is.”
Church House Publishing’s guide delves into the symbolism of Christmas pudding, describing it as “an act of faith” due to the anticipation involved in its preparation. Papadopulos associates this with the deeper meaning of Christmas, where “the timeless one enters time.”
Novelty Christmas jumpers, characterized as ‘tasteless,’ are embraced by Papadopulos, who draws a parallel to the inclusive nature of God. “God is tasteless too. That’s actually the heart of the Good News,” he writes, encouraging people to wear their jumpers proudly.
The guide also touches on Christmas crackers, Boxing Day chutney, and the tradition of taking a new year’s walk. Additionally, it suggests donating unwanted gifts, drawing a parallel to the gifts of the Magi, which were symbolic rather than practical.
Papadopulos reflects on the Magi’s gifts, explaining their significance as symbols of Jesus’s identity and mission. While practical use seemed unlikely, their deeper meaning was profound.
The Church of England encourages congregations to distribute this guide during carol services and invites attendees to explore deeper connections with the church community, scripture, and prayer.
Rev Peter Crumpler is a Church of England minister in St Albans, Herts, UK, and a former communications director with the CofE.
This article was originally written by www.christiantoday.com
