Once upon a time there was a Christ that got born, did really cool stuff, got Himself hung for doing so and, over time, created a world wide movement called ‘Christmas’. The priest of old oppressed the pagan people and with some compromise allowed the tree ceremony. Over more time the great Santa emerged with his various colored suits of green, red, brown and maroon. Such ritual. Pagans knew long ago its cool to have ritual and add friends to the circle.
Now every Dec. 25th the fun Santa, a Saint they say, coverts around the world with reindeer—maybe gotten from the Sami Nation of the north—to deliver presents to the masses. Most of the people waiting on the man in red are children. They want many things. They are rather demanding. An observation.
The masses help the St. Nick by flooding shopping centers, box stores, food markets, booze isles, and little shops gathering gifts for their families and others. There is much expectation and debt. Many are gay and happy. Many are not. The many who are wealthy and happy donate to those who are not and have not. Many are exhausted and many hang themselves. It’s all so interesting. Such busy-ness. The children wonder as they rip brightly wrapped packages apart and ask for more.
Meanwhile in the fading little churches, the irrelevant big ones, the ignored congregations, the renewed ones, the confused ones, the seeking ones, the discouraged ones, the conflicting ones, those looking on this busy-ness wonder and wait for the Christ Mass. Even the Muslims know about this well buried original intent. The Jewish still hold to the light of the intent. The Bahai’s speak of it too. The Christ Mass—may all who love the Christ find it now. The busy-ness will have not been in vain and the Great Christ will be pleased. The children will be enlightened. It will all be better. It will all be saner.
Love and peace to all. May we play in our sandbox with dignity! Share your pail and shovel and oh yes, don’t throw sand at each other. It stings the soul.
Happy Holidays to all.
Happy Christ Mass
Grace E. Reed
I have a MA in Conflict Resolution, a BA in Drama Therapy am a mediator, published writer (Negotiating Shadows and Needs) a broadcaster for KBOO.fm radio on disability awareness. I work with street youth, the homeless, addicted people, and have been a social activist for over 35 years. Occupy WS Portland, Oregon is a passion. Eagles World Studio is up and running. My heart responds to poetry and my head hears it in everything I do. My motto is 'stay curious, be kind and keep moving'. My new book 'Negotiating Shadows: Journey to the Sun' published by George Ronald Publisher, Oxford England and available through my website.