Although the way to celebrating Christmas has an intricate history, Christian faith communities, Catholic, Protestant, and non-denominational alike, today cannot imagine anything other than December 25 as the feast day of the nativity of Jesus. It was not always so. The early churches regarded January 6, Epiphany, as the major liturgical gathering of the season. But by the third decade of the fourth century CE, references to Christmas worship on December 25 begin to appear.
The date was arrived at either to coopt existing Roman winter festivals or by way of calculating forward from Mary’s miraculous conception during Passover, a moving date based on the lunar calendar. Once settled upon however, 12 centuries later the Reformation introduced freedoms in worship and devotional practices, and the loosened ecclesiastical policies resulted in a variety of observation. Some of the reformed faith communities abandoned Christmas observance as itself pagan, and in colonial times here, Puritans banned Christmas celebrations altogether. After the successful American Revolution, Christmas fell out of favor, as it was considered a British custom. Only in 1870, as noted elsewhere in this edition (cf. “Celestial Explorations”), did America recognize Christmas as a federal holiday.
Be that as it may, in Custer County the several faith communities are proceeding with the devotion and worship now long associated with Christmas.
As of press time, the Tribune is aware of the following gatherings, all of them welcoming the public:
Our Lady of the Assumption Roman Catholic Church on 5th Street, Westcliffe, celebrates Mass on Christmas Eve, December 24, at 4 p.m., and on Christmas Day at 10 a.m.
St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, at 3rd and Rosita, Westcliffe, invites one and all on Christmas Eve to a potluck dinner at 5:30 p.m., with a service of Lessons and Carols at 6:30 p.m., and dessert at 7:30 p.m.
Community United Methodist Church, 6th and Rosita, Westcliffe, holds a Longest Night Service of contemplation and healing this coming Saturday, December 21, at 4 p.m. for those who are struggling with grief, transition, or other difficulties during the holiday season. On Christmas Eve, at 4 p.m., CUMC’s service, “Miracle of the Manger” includes a pageant, carols, scripture and candlelight reflection.
First Baptist Church, on South 6th Street, Westcliffe, holds a Christmas Eve Candlelight Service at 5 p.m.
Sangre de Cristo Fellowship, 120 Jerry Drive, Westcliffe, gathers for worship with a Christmas Eve Service at 5 p.m.
The Cowboy Church, 60260 North Highway 69, Westcliffe, begins their Christmas observance at 5 p.m. this Friday, December 20 with a chili cook off, pie contest, and white elephant gift exchange at 5 p.m.
These are the observances the Tribune is aware of; other services are no doubt being held at Hope Lutheran, Valley Bible Fellowship, High Country Mennonite, St. Patrick Anglican, Church of Christ, and Cody Park Community churches; contact these faith communities directly for information.
However our readers celebrate Christmas, the Tribune staff wish one and all a blessed season of good spirit and cheer!
– W.A. Ewing