The “first Christmas” wasn’t Christmas, of course.
The celebration came years after the event. Christians had conquered Rome. An unthinkable event at the time of the events we celebrate. And then Christians conquered a big holiday by making it a celebration of Jesus’ birth. A triumph over paganism, if you will.
The phrase of the old poem recurs. “While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads.”
Do you ever wonder what was “dancing in the heads” of Joseph and Mary? Maybe, “Please, God, allow us to have a safe child birth?” After all, child birth was a dangerous event in the life of a woman in those days. And they were not around supporting family (we think).
We know that there were many visions dancing in the heads of Jewish people at the time.
They expected a Messiah (Anointed One, King). But like all visions of the future, there were many competing versions.
Some thought King–as in replacement of King Herod with a real Jewish leader who would restore the empire.
Some thought prophet who could perform might acts of God–like an Ezekiel or Elijah.
Both Mary and Joseph had been given visions. What could have been dancing in their heads as the little boy was born? Certainly not what happened some 33 years later.
Jesus later explained from Scripture why it pointed to him (think the walk to Emmaus). But even today Jewish scholars dispute that reading of their Scriptures.
As we approach Christmas, what visions are dancing in your head? We each have our own. I hope more than candy.
Gary Mintchell
Faith Venture 