At school, my students researched Christmas traditions and beliefs in other cultures. In Switzerland, they have a parade to chase Santa to the Rhine and the children believe Baby Jesus brings their gifts. In Italy, they leave their shoes under the tree to be filled with treats. Learning about these customs makes me think about my own. What’s with putting a tree in the house? Why Santa? Why is Christmas such a big deal any way? It’s making me even think about my beliefs around the holiday all together. I’ve been in church since my own December birth, so that makes 28 times I’ve heard the story, been to the service, seen (or been in) the programs, etc. But this year, I’m seeing it differently. In my Bible, the first chapter of John starts with bold lettering “ God becomes human ”. Why a baby though? Couldn’t he have just shown up as a miracle working man? He may have actually gotten more appreciation that way. He wouldn’t have been seen as that poor kid from Nazareth trying to a
grace upon grace.