In light of everything that has taken place in the last week
or so surrounding the tragedy in Connecticut, I have been examining my life
more. I’ve been loving my wife more. I have been hugging my son more and
holding on to him longer. I don’t have any sage advice or wisdom to share about
what happened or why it happened. I don’t know that we will ever truly
understand.
What I do have is a challenge for you and for me. As we
gather ‘round this CHRISTmas with friends and family alike, let’s make this
CHRISTmas more meaningful, especially those of us with little children. Let’s
make sure we focus on the real reason for the season. Enjoy the packages and
gifts but let’s make an effort to make this CHRISTmas about faith, hope, and
love.
As a reminder of the beauty and hope that can come from
tragedy and something ugly, I’d like to share a visual with you that will help
you remember the true reason for the season this CHRISTmas and hopefully for
many CHIRSTmases to come!
“It might seem strange
to many people that each Christmas season, mistletoe – a parasitic plant – has
the unique, mischievous, and delightful role of holiday matchmaker. Yet a
stolen kiss on a cold moonlit evening is only one of many reasons that for
centuries this waxy, green leafed plant has been tacked over doorways all
around the world during the month of December.”
“The plant received
its name from second-century Anglo-Saxons. In Old English, mistel is the word
for ‘dung’, and tan means ‘twig’. Misteltan is the Old-English version of the
word we know today as mistletoe. The name implies the plant sprang to life from
bird droppings on tree branches. The inspiration behind the plant’s
christening, though true, might seem a bit crude and distasteful today, but to
the people of the first and second century it was a radiant sign of God’s power
to bring life from death, to create something beautiful and robust from something
ugly and useless.”
“In ancient times,
mistletoe was viewed with awe. It was considered a miracle plant. During the
harshest days of winter’s fury, when most everything else had died, this small,
flowering, seemingly rootless plant thrived in the treetops. It offered beauty
and color, life and hope, mystery and wonder.”
“Scandinavian warriors
would stop fierce battles if they or the opposing soldiers suddenly found
themselves under trees where mistletoe grew. They believe that to continue a
war beneath the plant that God had given the world as a sign of life would
dishonor him. A host of other societies soon adopted this rule as well. For
millions of people, mistletoe became not just a symbol of peace, but a sign
that demanded peace.”
“Growing out of its role
as peacemaker, mistletoe took on another role – that of protector. Plants were
cut from trees and nailed or tied over the doors of homes and barns to ward off
enemies. Mistletoe was said to be so powerful that even the most fearsome of
the forest’s beasts would not threaten a home with the plant hung on its door.”
“By the Middle Ages,
mistletoe was placed over babies’ cribs to ward off illness and evil spirits.
Mistletoe’s leaves and berries, though poisonous if ingested raw, were diluted
and used in medicines. The plant was credited with treating epilepsy, apoplexy,
palsy, tuberculosis, and stroke… A Norse legend held that mistletoe shaped into
an arrow was the most powerful force in the world and could instantly bring
down the mightiest warrior. The only way this fallen soldier would be saved was
if a loved one used mistletoe berries to restore his life.”
“As this legend of
restorative power migrated to England, the plant became a symbol of love. When
a couple passed under the plant, they had to stop and kiss. If they did, God
would bless them with everlasting love. Still, to make sure that this custom
was not abused, the boy had to pick one berry for each kiss. When the berries
were gone, the kissing was supposed to end.”
“For Christians, the
plant became a symbol of life after death, of faith that was so strong it could
grow even in the midst of the darkness. Like mistletoe, God’s love and true
faith could survive even the most barbarous times and the darkest days. And
believing in Jesus as Savior brought personal peace even in the midst of war.”
“Christians across
Europe seized upon the religious symbolism of mistletoe and no longer posted
the plant over their doors to ward off evil spirits but to show the world that
they believed in the love God had sent the world through his Son, Jesus Christ.
The power of the plant that thrived in the toughest of times also represented
their faith. Christians believed God would see them through persecution, wars,
famines, and plagues. His grace would cover them even on the darkest, coldest
days.”
“For hundreds of
years, people of faith who kissed under mistletoe vowed to keep not only their
love for each other strong but their love for the Lord as well. Along with the
faith and love represented by the plant that grew strong even in the harshest
days of winter came a hope and understanding that brought peace to all who
truly believed.”
“Today the mistletoe’s
Christian message of peace, faith, and hope has been largely lost, but even if
in a rather childish fashion, the message of love has remained. That is why
mistletoe is mentioned in countless Christmas songs, movies, and TV shows. The
green-and-red plant can be seen topping silly hats and decorating all kinds of
clothing. It can also still be found hanging over millions of doors.”
“In a world that often
embraces Christmas without embracing its real meaning, maybe it’s time to bring
mistletoe back into the church. Maybe by having the green sprig with red
berries hanging in a house of worship, people can reclaim mistletoe as the
symbol of sustaining faith, hope, and love.”
Merry CHRISTmas everyone! I hope whatever your traditions
are, they are full of faith, hope, love and that you are surrounded by more
friends and family than you can count. Hold on to your loved ones this
CHRISTmas, especially the little ones, let go of regrets and grudges and
steal a kiss or two under the mistletoe!
This year has been great for Jones County and I know 2013 will be even more
promising.
From all of us here at the EDA and Chamber, we wish you a
very Merry CHRISTmas and a very safe, happy and prosperous New Year!
My research came from Stories
behind the Great Traditions of Christmas by Ace Collins. http://www.acecollins.com/books/traditions.html
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* This article was originally printed in the Sunday, December 23, 2012 issue
of The Chronicle's"Planting Seeds" column.
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