A History of Christmas | Bishop Barron

Podcast Summary

• Christianity is rooted in history: Christianity affirms historical reality of Jesus' crucifixion and sets it apart from myths

  Contrary to the notion that Christmas is a mere invention or that its celebration on December 25th holds no historical significance, Christianity is an historical religion rooted in specific events. Bishop Robert Barron emphasizes that the Christian faith is not a mythic system but a religion grounded in history. The debate around the exact date of Jesus' birth and the association of Christmas with pagan festivals are complex issues, but the wider point is that Christianity makes historical claims and situates them in a specific context. This historical aspect sets Christianity apart from myths, which often deal with transhistorical truths. Every time we recite the creed, we affirm the historical reality of Jesus' crucifixion under Pontius Pilate, emphasizing the importance of historical truth in the Christian faith.

• Christianity's Historical Roots: Christianity's historicity grounds it in reality, allowing for the integration of mythic traditions and the retention of their significance in the faith.

  Christianity is grounded in historical reality, not just a myth. The crucifixion of Jesus under the Roman governor Pontius Pilatus, as recorded in the Bible, is a verifiable historical fact. This historicity is crucial for Christians because it allows them to maintain the mythic and poetic significance of their faith while also grounding it in real-world events. The mythic and poetic aspects of Christianity, such as the nativity, crucifixion, and resurrection, are not just another iteration of the monomyth but the true myth that sprang to life. The myths of various cultures can be seen as anticipations of Christ, as they represent the human race dreaming about what would be accomplished in Him. The historicity of Christianity does not negate the importance of mythic traditions but rather allows for their integration into the faith. The myths serve as a way to evangelize the imagination and prepare people for the announcement of Christ.

• Dialogue between faith and various aspects of human life through Christianity's unique claim: Christianity's unique claim of the Logos becoming flesh in Jesus fosters a rich dialogue between faith and various aspects of human life, including science, history, culture, and law.

  Christianity, through its unique claim that the Logos became flesh in Jesus, enables a rich dialogue between faith and various aspects of human life, including science, history, culture, and law. This perspective, as emphasized by Pope Benedict in his Regensburg address, is particularly vital in times of religious and cultural conflict. Moreover, the historical significance of Christianity extends beyond the realm of faith, as seen in the intertwining of the ascension of Caesar Augustus and the birth of Jesus, both heralded by stars and associated with the Roman peace and the peace of the world, respectively. These historical and cultural connections remind us of the profound impact and relevance of Christianity throughout history.

• Christian God as Logos: Universal Intelligibility and Self-Emptying Love: The Christian God is identified as the Logos, the divine logic of the universe, which makes all things make sense and requires a cohesive story. Christianity uniquely reveals this Logos as the self-emptying love of God, bringing together history and philosophy.

  According to Ratzinger, the Christian and Muslim conceptions of God differ in that the Christian God is identified as the Logos, or divine logic of the universe, making all things make sense and requiring a cohesive story. This idea is reflected in the New Testament, where Jesus is presented as both the culmination of Israelite history and the Logos. Every scientist assumes the universal intelligibility of the world, which can be explained as the Logos speaking in all things. Christianity uniquely reveals this Logos as the self-emptying love of God, bringing together history and philosophy in a powerful way.

• Irenaeus' connections between Old and New Testaments: Irenaeus saw parallels between Old and New Testaments, linking figures like Adam, Eve, Mary, and Jesus, and emphasizing the Jewish context of Christianity to understand Jesus' mission and redemption

  The early Christian thinker Saint Irenaeus saw deep connections between the Old and New Testaments, particularly as they relate to the figures of Adam and Eve, Mary, and Jesus. According to Irenaeus, just as Adam and Eve's disobedience led to the fall of mankind, Mary's obedience brought about redemption. He also saw parallels between Mary and the ark of the covenant, with Jesus as the new Adam and a new David. These connections help to illuminate the Jewish context of Christianity and the fulfillment of Old Testament promises in Jesus. Unfortunately, this rich historical and theological perspective seems to be lacking in contemporary consciousness, with a tendency to dehistoricize and de-Judaize Christianity. It's essential to remember that without understanding the Israelite context, we cannot fully grasp who Jesus was and what his mission meant.

• Interpreting Jesus and Old Testament Laws: Early 20th century scholars denied historical facts, leading to an anti-Semitic reading of Jesus. However, recent decades have seen a 're-Judaizing' of Jesus, recognizing his connection to Israel and its promises. Moral law remains intact, while ceremonial and civil laws are seen as symbolic anticipations of Jesus.

  The interpretation of Jesus and the Old Testament laws in Christianity has undergone significant shifts throughout history. Some early 20th century biblical scholars, rooted in a liberal Protestant tradition, held anti-Semitic views and denied historical facts, leading to a somewhat anti-Jewish reading of Jesus. However, in recent decades, there has been a resurgence of "re-Judaizing" Jesus, recognizing his connection to Israel and its promises. Additionally, it's important to understand that the divine law is threefold: moral, ceremonial, and civil. Moral law, as expressed in the Ten Commandments, remains intact and is distinct from ceremonial and civil laws. These latter laws are seen as symbolic anticipations of Jesus and his teachings, rather than negated. Understanding these distinctions can help clarify debates around Paul and the law in the Reformation, ensuring that the moral precepts of the law are not abandoned but remain integral to the work of salvation.

• Faith and reason in understanding God: Through both natural reason and divine revelation, we can deepen our understanding of God's existence and nature.

  Faith and reason are interconnected in understanding the existence and nature of God. While natural reason can provide evidence for God's existence, revelation is necessary to fully know God and His specific revelations. Thomas Aquinas referred to arguments for God's existence as the preambles to faith, but faith goes beyond reason as God speaks from His heart to us. Through both reason and revelation, we can come to a deeper understanding of God, as revealed most fully in His son. This interplay between faith and reason is a paradoxical yet essential aspect of Christianity. While some may find it difficult to reconcile, it is a core tenet of the Christian tradition.

• The complexity and strangeness of the Christian faith: The faith's depth and obscurity make it effective, opening the door to a profound relationship with God

  The complexity and strangeness of the Christian faith, as represented by the incarnation and the need for divine intervention through baptism, can be a stumbling block for some people. However, this very strangeness and the need for the Holy Spirit's conviction are part of the convincing power of the faith. The faith's depth and obscurity, like a complicated key, make it effective and open the door to a profound relationship with God. The Christian story, beginning with the incarnation and culminating in the Messiah, provides the key to understanding and experiencing this relationship. While the story may seem strange and complex, it is this very strangeness that sets it apart and makes it compelling. Ultimately, the faith cannot be aggressively thought through or compelled; it requires a willingness to open oneself to the divine.

• Staying vigilant and awaiting God's timing: As Christians, we're called to stay alert and trust in God's timing during our spiritual journey, not just during Advent.

  As Christians, we are called to live a vigilant life in anticipation of the second coming of Jesus. This concept is not just limited to the season of Advent but is a permanent aspect of our spiritual journey. We must stay alert and awake, keeping the "candle burning" even when we feel tired or indifferent. This vigilant waiting is a discipline that requires us to trust in God's timing and be open to receiving grace when it comes. The Christian life is not something we can master or control on our own, but rather, we must learn to wait for God's action in our lives. This concept is reflected in various religious traditions, including the story of the five wise and foolish virgins and Dante's journey through purgatory. So, as we continue to await the second coming of Jesus, let us stay vigilant and trust in God's perfect timing.

• A long and arduous spiritual journey: The spiritual journey, as depicted in Dante's Commedia, is a lifelong commitment to self-improvement and growth, requiring dedication, ascetic preparation, and openness to grace and redemption

  That the spiritual journey, as depicted in Dante's Commedia, is a long and arduous process that requires dedication and ascetic preparation. It's not a self-help program or a quick fix, but a lifelong commitment to self-improvement and growth. The journey involves acknowledging and confronting one's own sinfulness and working to overcome it, as well as being open to the grace and redemption offered through faith. This message, emphasizing the importance of spiritual growth and the role of faith in overcoming adversity, is a countercultural one that challenges the modern emphasis on instant gratification and individualism. It's a reminder that we are all sinners in need of salvation, and that the greatest gift we can receive is the gift of God's grace.