Most small children think that Santa Claus is a real person who will appear in the night to leave them gifts. It’s a hooker as huge as any traditional fairy-tale opener: “Once Upon a Time”. What? I hold my breathe still.
Is it fair to raise a child’s expectations that you have already made unmeetable, like bring Daddy back, or tell Mommy not to tell lies about miracles, such as me. I won’t easily forgot my own experience of finding my wee baby tooth in the medicine cabinet wrapped in a tissue. Some tooth fairy!! Not to mention that we lived in a NYC apartment and had NO chimney, not that I once caught my mother sneaking in to remove the milk and cookies we left, making sure she scattered a few crumbs and left the milk glass empty with milk on its rim.
Even the classic Christian answer, about a sixth century Bishop, Nicholas of Myra, who actually did go around and leave small gifts and food at the doorsteps of homes he knew were impoverished. That was true gift from a real ancient bishop from the far east who really did distribute gifts to children at Christmas time. There is definitely some holiness in such a tradition but few acknowledge it any more.
There is such a thing, however, as on-the-ground fact, and there also is truth, often called Myth. A Myth is not a lie. It is simply a different perspective, a slant, on a common scenario. Most so-called fairy tales are social commentary on cruel situations turned upside down. Cinderella was a girl (beautiful blonde of course) forced into slavery by her Mistress, the “evil stepmother” (aka dad’s new wife) who is driven by jealousy and grief. Truth or fact? Likely truth.
Little mice scheme to rescue Cindy by chasing down a handsome prince to rescue her and carry her off to live in the castle, marry her course and thus legitimize her justification, her worth, her lovability. Truth? Possibly. Fact: proposition that does verify her hopes, her dreams, her worth as a woman her marriage-ability—for now. Myth: Cindy’s happiness lasts forever and ever. Truth: maybe.
A fact in time does not tie down any event or circumstance forever and ever. A myth makes us feel better, yet it is temporary beauty, never forever and ever for everyone, amen. We have hope and each other—gifts all.
Grace is a gift free of charge and charges. Fact: God knows. Truth: we are free to choose, also to choose again. Process: Tell it all and tell is slant!
Wisdom from Emily Dickinson, a reclusive poet who lived in Amherst Massachusetts (1830-1886). Here below is her take on truth-telling: Tell all the truth but tell it slant—
Success in Circuit lies
Too bright for our infirm Delight
The Truth’s superb surprise
As Lightning to the Children eased
With explanation kind
The Truth must dazzle gradually
Or every man be blind—
2 comments:
Where is my ADVENT? I no longer have any need to struggle with the childhood stories of Santa Close, although I still believe that the concept, less the trappings, is based in its essence on the true deeds of St. Nicholis Bishop in the Church. Historically we have some proof that he lived in ancient times in Greece. The good deeds that he is credited with are not so certain in the proof department, however the stories of his actions all carry similarities. Like the Crux of the truth in each one that carries down to this day. One is gifts were given to someone in need, financial or emotional. The other is the secrecy of the giver.
So. is that similar to "old wives' tales? My personal experience tells me that there is often much truth in the results of "old wives' tales. Then, can I not make the connection that The Crux of truth is probably the truth at the bases of these stories, old wives' tales and without much stretch Nursery Rhymes, Fairy tales etc. What seems to endure is this Crux of Truth. Passed down in "good Faith" is where that truth lies.
If I then look at the Advent, I call mine, the Birth of Jesus of Nazareth, the arrival on earth of God's anointed or Messiah. Followed by the actions and teachings recorded of this life and death on the cross. Leaving The Resurrection aside for now, my trust and belief in this particular Advent is valid based on the Crux of Truth provable truths recorded in many sources. My expected Advent carries this Crux of Truth. As a result, when trappings like Birth in a stable, 3 Magi etc. make no difference because they are carried forward in the faith and belief in the Crux of Truth.
PS
Not complete I know but a solid beginning to finding some real solid ground where the" Miricle" of God begins to blend with the truths of my life and exercise of free will..
The poignant mixture of your own personal prayer-thoughts and petitions combined with biblical stories make a complicated but beautiful weave of wisdom. Both incarnation AND resurrection blend and inspire your personal prayers and ministries AND those around you, your work, your community, family, etc. etc. Some places have a special small room for people to pray in front of an Altar of Repose = total freedom before the image of death/resurrection as one. Thank for your comment!!
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