Christ Mass, an anglo-catholic witness, by Alan Ewing

 CHRIST MASS

an anglo-catholic witness by Alan Ewing 

the only clue we may have is a planetary conjunction between Jupiter and Saturn, causing The Star of Bethlehem, as the magi were astrologers

Christmas. A celebration of the birthday of Jesus Christ. Or is it? The synoptic Gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke, do not actually fix a date.

The church began celebrating "Christ Mass" in the 4th Century CE.  This was a time when The New Testament itself was being canonized.  The 1st Century CE is shrouded in mystery. Very little is known about it.

A linear date is not really the point. As The Gospel of John says: "In the beginning was the word, and the word was with God."

The symbolism of linear dated Christmas, 25th December, is that humanity is guided back to the light by the birth of Christ.  It comes a few days after Winter Solstice in The Northern Hemisphere, at which point The Earth tilts back towards the light of The Sun. After our fellow friends in Southern Hemisphere have enjoyed Summer.

The birth of Christ is an eternal event that transcends time.

Alan Ewing, anglo-catholic, December 2017