Tuesdays with Naqvi--Herceptin #32

Only 20 more chemo days to go!  That feels like something worth celebrating!  The countdown in on.

Another countdown is on in our household: the countdown to Christmas.  I absolutely love this time of year.  I love the spirit of Christmas, the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, the love and brotherly kindness that seems to flow more generously, reflection at the close of one year and the rebirth of another, the traditions, the parties, the giving, the decorations, and all the joy and magic of the holiday.  I love blending the traditions of the families in which Stephen and I both grew up and making new traditions and memories in our own family.  I enjoy seeing how other families celebrate and getting to share ideas to spread the love of Christ, which is the reason for the season.  Even those who don't share our faith usually have some traditions and celebrations that occur around this time, so it's interesting to see how others commemorate the close of another year.  I don't know all of the traditions that you celebrate, but in our house, it's "Merry Christmas!"

I truly believe that all things testify of Christ.  If our eyes are open to see and our hearts are open to feel the spririt, we can see signs everywhere, even more so at Christmastime.  We celebrate His humble birth, but also His selfless and giving life, the willin sacrifice of His death, and that He lives again, eternaly.  In all things, He gave us a pathway to follow.

When Jesus walked on the earth, He taught in parables, stories that teach great truth using comparisons or symbols.  There are probably many reasons why He did this--perhaps to keep some truth hidden from those not ready to hear it, to make difficult things more easy to understand, or to encourage those who are seeking to study the matter even more.  Howard W. Hunter said: “{parables} are so simple a child can understand, yet profound enough for the sage and philosopher.  In Jesus' own words, He described his use of parables:

Matthew 13: 13-15:  Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand.  And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Esaias, which saith, By hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and shall not perceive:  For this people’s heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.

Sometimes people see things without seeing them and hear without truly hearing.  When are hearts are hardened, we don't allow ourselves to grasp the true meaning that all things testify of Christ.   

When I think of parables, some of the quickest to come to mind are: the Parable of the Talents, the Parable of the Ten Virgins, The Good Samaritan, and the The Prodigal Son.  On the surface, each one of these parables, along with the many others Jesus spoke, can be taken as just an entertaining story.  But, there is more to be interpreted from each.   In applying and understanding parables, Merlin R. Lybbert said, “The beauty of the parables of the Lord is that they have many applications, and thus their teaching value is unending."  As we continue to read and study the stories, we understand them more fully, come to recognize the power in their meanings, and are able to share the principles and practice them in our own lives.  

Although the original interpretation of parables lies with the truth and meaning the Lord gave, the application on parables in our lives can change, depending on our circumstances and the time in history.  For example, in this age of electricity, it would be unlikely that women would be standing in the streets, waiting for a wedding with their oil and lamps, but we can apply the original meaning of the parable as we fill the vessels of our souls with good works.  There is more than one way to apply the principles found in each parable.  

In studying parables, one might ask, "are they true?"  Were there really servants who received various amounts of money from their master and returned as either good and faithful or foolish?  Was there an actual wedding that 5 foolish virgins missed because they weren't prepared?  Was "The Good Samaritan" simply a title to conceal the true identity of a real person?  And whose family was it that welcomed The Prodigal Son home?  Did these things really happen, were they based on actual events, or were they just stories used to convey deeper meaning?  If not, how DARE Jesus pass them around as "gospel?"  How could The Master LIE to people?  Really, I doubt anyone would call Jesus a liar for "making up" stories, especially when these stories were used to teach principles and bring people to Christ.  

Without the ability to electronically record every word and instantly publish and project parables to the masses, I'm sure the stories were just a bit different each time they were told.  In fact, I would predict that those in attendance when Jesus originally told the parables went home to tell their friends and families.  Perhaps they added a detail here and there, or forgot one part or another.  In some families, maybe there were 12 virgins.  In others, perhaps one servant received 20 talents.  Maybe the prodigal son became a prodigal daughter, especially in families with only girls.  As the stories were passed down from generation to generation, the details might have changed, the words might have been a bit different, but if the meaning held true, it was still the parable the Savior intended.   

Let me repeat what I've said about parables:  1} A parable can be used as a tool to reach us all--from young children all the way up to those in the wise, older years of life.  2} We can sometimes have dull ears, closed eyes, and hardened hearts and miss precious truths.  3} There is more than one way to apply the principles of parables.  4} Parables may or may not be based on actual events.  5}Parables might have been told a little differently in each family.  

Using this background on parables, I would like to introduce the new label of "parable" for a collection of stories that that has been around for quite some time.  Some tellings of these "parables" are quick and simple, and others could fill entire libraries.  These "parables" can be used to teach about Christ and His love or to celebrate His birth.  They demonstrate selfless giving.  They teach us to make good choices and prepare for the coming of the Lord, and they bring families and friends together.  These stories are basically a combination of all the good things about Jesus Christ.  I would like to call them:  

 The Parables of Christmas

Parables of Christmas are different from The Story of Christmas, which tells of the humble birth of Jesus Christ to a virgin mother in a stable, with angels singing the good tidings of great joy and inviting shepherds to come  see.  This basic story, and the rest of His life and sacrifice are the reasons we celebrate Christmas. 

The Parables of Christmas are stories that use compairsons or symbols to add more to the story.  Sometimes, as in biblical parables, the interpretation and understanding can be concealed.  And, sometimes, the hidden truth in the messages of the parables can become convoluted.   When you start at a silent, holy night with angels singing and the Christ child in a manager and go straight into all the bells and whistles: trees, lights, candy canes, presents, cards, parties, stars, ornaments, red and green, stockings, bells, reindeer, and Santa Claus, does the original meaning get lost?  There are MANY parables of Christmas, a parable for each symbol, many stories that help us understand and remember the true meaning of Christmas, but are there TOO many?   

Some people argue that there is too much commercialism in Christmas today, that stores are preparing for Christmas too early, and that popular culture distracts from the meaning of Christmas.  Perhaps we do have too many symbols of Christmas.  Maybe we just need Luke 2 and that's it.  Even the Bible references some of the Christmas customs we've grown to know as worshipful as "heathen":

 Jeremiah 10:2-4

Thus saith the Lord, Learn not the way of the heathen, and be not dismayed at the signs of heaven; for the heathen are dismayed at them.  For the customs of the people are vain: for one cutteth a tree out of the forest, the work of the hands of the workman, with the axe. They deck it with silver and with gold; they fasten it with nails and with hammers, that it move not.  

Could it be that everyone with a Christmas tree decked in silver and gold is a heathen?  Christians would probably be offended and saddened to think about a major symbol of Christmas in that way.  I know Christmas trees are beautiful and meaningful in our home, a special symbol of Christmas and a collection of family memories from many years of Christmas celebrations.  Surely, that isn't heathen?  

Customs of "the people" can be in vain, but they can also be used to point to Christ.  Even the customs that are purely based on the bible have been altered a bit for the holiday.  Nativity scenes usually include the wise men, who came bearing gifts.  But this didn't actually occur until Jesus was older than a baby in a manger.  How COULD we stray from the EXACT story????  Perhaps, grouping the angels, the shepherds, the star in the East, and the wise men along with Joseph, Mary, and the Baby in the Manger helps people remember the story.  Perhaps it gives even children a picture on which to build their faith.  Perhaps it's become part of the parables.  

Customs of "the people" can be in vain.  Just look at the history behind Christmas:

   

A winter holiday was already being celebrated long before Jesus Christ was born, and all of the celebrations we now think of as "Christian" are actually a collection of practices from many cultures.  There is much evidence that would suggest that December 25 is not even the real date of Christs' birth, but was chosen because it was already a time of celebration of rebirth and of worshiping Roman gods.  Many of the symbols of Christmas--evergreen trees, wreaths, holly berries, mistletoe--actually evolved from pagan rituals.  Once Christianity began to become the majority religion, the church blended the pagan rituals, customs, and symbols of the people with the teachings of Jesus.  So, if all of this celebrating was already being done before there was even a "Christmas," should we even celebrate at all?  What makes one type of Christmas celebrating pagan or vain and another holy and pure?  Perhaps that's not for us to judge, but to decide for ourselves and our families what is simply vain celebration and what is done to bring meaning and purpose to our homes.    

That blending of secular and spiritual continues to effect the celebration of Christmas today.  But, if our eyes are open to see and our ears are open to hear, The Parables of Christmas, symbols and stories, can help us understand and remember the basic Story of Christmas, the life/birth/death of Jesus Christ.  Remember, with enough thought, all things testify of Christ. 

Here are just a few of the Parables of Christmas that can help us keep Christ in our Christmas celebrations.  

The Parable of the Christmas Tree: an evergreen tree is an ancient symbol of eternal life, and points to heaven.  

The Parable of The Lights: lights can remind of that Jesus is the Light of the World and that we should let our light so shine before our fellowmen.  

The Parable of Candy Canes:  the J is for Jesus, and they remind us of the shepherds who were the first to hear the news of His birth.  There is even a story about how a candy maker wanted to make a candy that reminded people of Jesus--white for His purity and red for His blood.  

The Parable of Red and Green: The colors can remind us of the blood of Christ and of eternal life.

The Parable of Bells:  bells ring out to announce the glad tidings of His birth.  

The Parable of the Gifts: Giving and receiving gifts is done in remembrance of all the gifts we have been given by our Savior.  We give to others to honor Him. 

The Parable of the Star: Stars remind us of the sign of Christ's birth and of the heavens.  

So far, these symbols of Christmas all seem quite Holy {although many of them truly were adopted from pagan rituals.}  Now comes some controversy.  Brace yourself:

The Parable of Santa Claus, The Parable of the Elves {even *gasp* The Elf on the Shelf!}, The parable of The Reindeer, and The Parable of the North Pole. 

I propose that telling the story of Santa Claus can be a parable that teaches of Christ.  One of my very favorite Christmas books, I Believe in Santa Claus, by Diane G. Adamson suggests that Santa Claus is very much like Jesus Christ--from her book:

Santa wears red
Christ wears red (Isaiah 63:2)
Santa has white hair
Christ has white hair (Revelations 1:14)
Santa comes in the night
Christ came in the night (1 Thessalonians 5:2)
Santa loves little children
Christ loves little children (Matthew 19:14)
Santa wants us to be good
Christ knows we are good (1 Timothy 2:3-4)
Santa brings us gifts
Christ brings us gifts (James 1:17)

My favorite part of the book pretty much sums up most of my Parables of Christmas, and she tells this part of the parable so much better than I could.  She says that "Santa is a symbol of Christmas.  Symbols of Christmas can remind us of the true meaning of Christmas.  The symbols of Christmas remind me of Christ.  So I believe in Santa Claus."  {In my opinion, you could pretty much insert: "So, I believe in _______ whatever symbol of Christmas there.}

If we are keeping with Santa Claus as a parallel for Christ, it makes sense that this "magic" of Christmas is taught in a parable.  Although little children are often the most pure and innocent, they don't always easily grasp the faith and understanding to "know" Jesus.  They can't see or touch him.  But, they can learn about a loving man {Santa} who expects them to be good and brings them gifts {blessings} for doing so.  They can't quite grasp heaven and how far away it is, but they can understand it a little better as related to The Parable of the North Pole.  They can dream and hope, as in stories like The Polar Express of when they can return to that wonderful, beautiful, "magical" place, where that loving man lives.  {That sounds a little like a piece of heaven to me.}  Maybe learning about how Santa is able to reach all the children of the earth in one night can help them understand how a loving Heavenly Father is able to know all of His children, all over the world, at once, that he can enter our hearts and our homes and fill them with blessings.  I seem to remember something in The Parable of the Reindeer about Rudolph, one who was different and cast out from his peers but ended up having a special mission that saved them all.  That story sounds somewhat familiar, almost as if it could be used as a way to teach about Jesus.  Perhaps many parts of the Parable of Santa Claus can turn into ways to point to Christ and to His teachings of love, obedience, and sacrifce.    

When Jesus was on the earth, he called disciples to help him.  Even though God is all-knowing and all-powerful, he still calls servants to help with His work on the earth and return and report.  Maybe, just maybe, The Parable of The Elf on the Shelf is a little like that?  There is SO much controversy about this lately!  If you truly read the story and understand its simple meaning, you'll see that the elves are just Santa's helpers that are sent to each home to help him in his work.  They return each night to the North Pole to report, then head back to their assigned homes, waiting to be found.  There were messengers sent before Jesus many times to prepare the way and to give people signs of his coming, and remind them that the time was soon at hand. Maybe, if our eyes are open to see, something the could be turned into a vain custom could actually be yet another parable of Christmas.  I'll admit that this tradition has gotten a little out of control, especially from crazy, Pinterest one-uppers, and the case could be made {in my opinion} that something like this could be taken a bit of a heathen custom.  But, can't the same argument be made for many of The Parables of Christmas?  If it is something that helps us remember the Spirit of Christmas, it can bring joy and help to celebrate the love and anticipation of the season.       

Remember what I said about parables from earlier?  :  1} A parable can be used as a tool to reach us all--from young children all the way up to those in the wise, older years of life.  2} We can sometimes have dull ears, closed eyes, and hardened hearts and miss precious truths.  3} There is more than one way to apply the principles of parables.  4} Parables may or may not be based on actual events.  5}Parables might have been told a little differently in each family.

Whatever Parables of Christmas are part of your homes' {or others'} traditions, try to remember that they can all testify of Christ.  Even the secular stories can become a tool to reach people of all ages.  Hardened hearts aren't open to finding the meaning of The Parables of Christmas, even though there is more than one way to apply them.  There are countless ways to commemorate and celebrate the birth of Christ.  As long as the focus is our Savior, we need to not let how one family might do things or tell the stories a little differently affect the spirit in our homes.  And, certainly, just as with biblican parables, The Parables of Christmas aren't LIES.  They are symbols for comparison.               

So, whether in your house it's St. Nicholas, Sinter Klaas, Kris Kringle, or Santa; whether your tree has an angel or a star; whether or not you send out cards or go ice skating; make hot chocolate or have parties; go caroling or go to church; fill stockings or put up a tree; visit Santa or make cookies, go look at Christmas lights; have an Elf on the Shelf or not; keep it all simple/homemade or go all out; or only bring out the nativity, the love of Christ will be there, just the same.  Christmas will come, whether in busy, event-filled countdowns or quiet reflections.  The holiday will happen if we've been preparing for months or procrastinate the time of your shopping.  As Dr. Seuss put it in How the Grinch Stole Christmas, 

"{Christmas }came without ribbons! It came without tags!
It came without packages, boxes, or bags!"

He puzzled and puzzed till his puzzler was sore.
Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn't before.

Maybe Christmas, he thought, doesn't come from a store.
Maybe Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more!"

Perhaps, like the Grinch, who tried to steal Christmas from the Whos, we might feel tempted to try to take away all "the things" and simplify our Parables of Christmas.  But, is it possible that we can celebrate and incorporate all these parables AND remember the true meaning?  Everyone has to decide how to celebrate and which of The Parables of Christmas they will tell, just as we all have to decide how to apply the principles of The Parables every day.  The magic happens when The Parables begin to mean "a little bit more," stories that help teach our children {and us} about the love of Christ, and that believing brings happiness and blessings.  Any story that can do that is a story worth telling.