Volume 29, No. 49                                      
 December 19, 2004

A Christmas Hang-Up

   For the first several centuries, the early church did its best to kiss mistletoe goodbye.  It was banned because of its pagan origins.  But then, as now, perhaps the church was missing the point.

   Two hundred years before the birth of Jesus, the start of winter was celebrated with the gathering of mistletoe by the Druids, the learned class of the Celts who lived in ancient Britain. They burned the yellow-green plant and waxy berries as a sacrifice to their gods, and took it into their homes to ensure divine help and family harmony.  Mistletoe was also placed outside as a sign of welcome to weary travelers, and visitors to a house embraced under the branch.      

   Even enemies who came upon each other under a tree bearing the plant had to lay aside their arms and forget their differences for the day, because mistletoe was considered strong medicine.  Named by the Druids omnia sanatatem, or “all heal”, it was prescribed as an antidote for poison and a cure for infertility.

   The plant was so highly prized that even collecting it was done with great ceremony.  Only sprigs that grew on sacred oak trees were gathered, and no one could touch it except the highest-ranking priest who used a golden knife — something later immortalized in Bellini’s opera, Norma. Mistletoe was a plant of health, hope and harmony, even as far away as Scandinavia.

   There, the plant was associated with Frigga, the goddess of love, which is where mistletoe’s link with romance came from.  Not so romantic was the origin of mistletoe’s name.  It came from mista, meaning “dung”, because the evergreen was known to grow from seeds laid in bird manure.  That didn’t stop the ancients from weaving
mistletoe into garlands and draping the boughs all over their homes.

   But when December 25th was officially chosen as Christmas in the Fourth Century, church leaders forbade the use of mistletoe because of its idolatrous origins.  As a substitute, they promoted the use of holly, saying the sharply-pointed leaves symbolized the crown of thorns worn by Jesus and the red berries were like drops of his blood.  Until just decades ago, some English churches forbade the wearing of mistletoe sprigs and corsages during services.

   It’s the same logic that still prevents some Christians from embracing Christmas. They reject December 25th because it started as a pagan holiday and its observance isn’t specifically commanded. Then again, Jesus went to the Temple to observe Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights — a holiday commemorating God’s protection of his people — even though it was started by the Jews without the specific authorization of the Scriptures (John 7:1-15.)  Perhaps we should follow his example and start where people are, then broaden the message in a fuller,fresher way. Mistletoe’s a great place to begin.

   In many ways, it’s the perfect symbol of our Lord and Saviour. After all, His presence in our homes is the surest way to find divine help and family harmony.  He’s also a sign of true-hearted hospitality for the weary and the lost.  

   At Christmas, Jesus should be cause enough for all Christians to lay aside their conflict, at least for the day, and unite upon the message of grace, love and forgiveness.  Able to heal every disease of the heart, our Branch is the Antidote for the poison of sin who brings new life to even the most flawed and infertile soul. We’re entrusted to take him into our lives because we are his kingdom priests who wield the golden knife of his Word, through which we gather for ourselves the spiritual medicine that makes us well and makes us one.  He is our health, our hope and our harmony.

   But the seeds of our faith in Jesus often grow out of unpleasant places, complete with the pungent stench of pain and powerlessness.  We embrace the very environment shunned by the world and ultimately display with pride and confidence the Source of our wholeness.  Some will protest. And yes, the thorns and the blood are essential.  But that’s no reason to kiss off Christmas.

By Rick Gamble, published in Cross Current, the weekly newsletter of the Followers of Christ church family in Brantford, Ontario, Canada.  Reprint at will in not-for-profit publications.  To receive these free weekly articles via email, send a note to sgamble@bfree.on.ca