Living in several countries of the former Soviet Union for many years, we could see how thecommunist Soviet system tried to erase Christmas for 70 years. There was no God so there wasno birth of Jesus. New Year’s Eve was the huge celebration. Father Frost and the Snow Maiden were the prominent figures who brought gifts and candy to children. Live “Yolkas” or fir-trees were only out for sale a few days before New Year’s Eve. Gifts, food and vodka were prepared for all-night parties with family and friends. A special program of music, jokes, etc. showed on TV all night long.
The Russian Orthodox church followed the Julian calendar which put Christmas on January 7. So, when New Year’s Eve took precedence with all the hype, little was left for January 7. A few years ago, Ukraine decided to officially follow the Gregorian calendar for religious holidays as we do in the U.S. making Christmas December 25. The date isn’t so important, but celebrating Jesus’ coming is THE reason.
We appreciated living in countries that didn’t put a big emphasis on Christmas. There was little commercialism to take away from the true meaning. We could celebrate simply, making our own traditions, focusing on Jesus’ birth. One year, we, as a family, read the book, What if Jesus Had NeverBeen Born, by James Kennedy and Jerry Newcombe. Then each family member wrote a letter to Jesus thanking Him for coming and how that impacted them.
John 10:10 KJV
“I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.”
John 1:4,5 ESV
“In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”
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