Since when was this holiday

A Christian jamboree…

And when was it about Christ’s birth

Exclusively?

–

According to those who should know,

It was Winter Solstice time…

The sun was at its lowest point

And then began to climb…!

–

Christians–former pagans most–

Denied their revelry…

Church leaders wanted evangelized

Pagans who would see…

Christ’s birth celebrated

In holiness and respect,

Become interested and

Come into the church direct.

–

When the church went political with Emperor Constantine,

Everyone had to join the thing…

It wasn’t necessarily by choice or belief–

You HAD TO HEAR THE ANGELS SING!

–

Nonbelievers too

Had their own “underground” pews…

The “old ways” by the faithful stays

But not in public view.

–

Are the roles reversed,

When Christians can be cursed…?

The church’s power can’t make them cower

Or defeat  a pagan purse.

–

Most do not see the fetters–

Getting worse before it’s better…

Christ is King but suffering

Is for those whose faith matters.

–

Keep then looking up,

Your redemption draweth nigh…

We will share the communion cup

Till anew with Christ, alive!

–

–Jonathan Caswell