Christmas is a wonderful myth. Not in the use of myth meaning that it is false, although its historical accuracy is problematic given there are two divergent stories presented in the bible, but rather that it symbolizes very important religious truths. The way I understand the Christmas story, it is a very powerful myth. I would like to share with you the way I think about Christmas. First we have the birth of a baby, the symbol of renewal, a new beginning, hope renewed, the start of life’s adventure, the joy that a baby brings into the world, no matter how tired and worn the world may seem.
Then we have the fact that the baby is born in a manger in the presence of other animals. The animals symbolize the holistic interdependence of all life. Humanity is not separate and apart, despite our perceived false superiority. Could one imagine a more lowly beginning? There is nothing that this world has to offer that is claimed by the circumstances of this birth. The message is clear, enlightenment is not a product of the material things of this existence. Your spiritual source is not of this world. There is no beginning so humble, so unpretentious, that it precludes spiritual advancement and eventual spiritual enlightenment. We are all truly equal in this potential and eventual outcome. No one is unworthy.
Then we have the light, symbolized by both the star and the time when Christmas is celebrated, namely the winter solstice when the sun begins its return. The solstice symbolizes perpetual renewal or opportunity. When things look the darkest, then there is the realization of new hope, the dawning of the inner light. Here the story reveals another important spiritual truth, namely that we project outward what we know inwardly. The inner light becomes the outer star. We create reality in our own image of knowing. Belief is all there is. In that sense we are co-equal as a creator with God. The only question is do we mis-create out of our belief in our separate self, or create in harmony with God by realizing our identity in Him and all creation. God’s light has no darkness. It shines for everyone. The sun returns after the winter solstice and shines for all.
There is the further symbolism of the shepherds and the wise men. Both know and understand the meaning of the star. Each, the uneducated, and the intellectually sophisticated, come and offer homage in their own way, the poor, with their presence, the rich, with their presents. There is no one path or practice that leads to spiritual enlightenment. There are as many paths or methods as the diversity of life and people. Both the shepherds and wise men offered reverence and awe. Every birth is the incarnation of God. It is not just Jesus who is the son of God, but every person is the son of God just as Jesus is our brother as each of us is each other’s brother.
The importance of the Christmas story is that it tells us the simple fact that we are all united in a common sisterhood with God our Creator. Each of us, like Jesus, has the potential to experience the true realization of our God being. This potential is present in all. Without reference to life circumstances, or position, or formal education, or wealth, or power and prestige. Be open to the Christmas star, that inner light that shines within us all, that dawning of knowing, that realization of who we really are that comes to us, no less than to the babe in the manger.
Christmas is the beginning of the life that demonstrates that spirit is everlasting, and consequently there is nothing for us to fear. There is no death because the son of God is like his Father. Nothing you can do can change eternal Love. The Peace and Joy of Christmas rests on knowing that we are forever safe and secure in God’s Love, evidence of the physical world not with standing. Let the Peace that passes all understanding permeate every being and thereby transform the world. The Christmas promise fulfilled.
The sidebar above was originally presented by Anderson (with slight revisions) at the Unitarian Church of Princeton in December, 1989.
Peace is Oneness, by Hilton L. Anderson, is available at Amazon.com, Borders.com and BarnesandNoble.com. ISBN: 978-1-4502-4827-3 (sc) $15.95.
