After the American Revolution, English customs fell out of favor, including the celebration of Christmas. In fact, Congress was in session on December 25, 1789, the first Christmas under America’s new constitution. It wasn’t until President Ulysses S. Grant declared Christmas a legal holiday in 1870 in an attempt to bring opposing forces together and focus on rebuilding the nation that American’s began to celebrate Christmas as we know it today.
By placing the vision of peace within the hearts of American families, President Grant was trying to sooth a period of class conflict and turmoil many can only imagine in the wake of Ferguson, Missouri. The North and South were divided on the issue of Christmas, as well as on the question of slavery. Many Northerners saw sin in the celebration of Christmas; to these people the celebration of Thanksgiving was more appropriate.
The Civil War challenged the nation to define its moral values. It was through the press America began it’s long struggle with slavery, labor unrest, woman’s rights, civil rights for blacks and economic issues of trusts, tariffs and currency.
The American landscape was forever changed by rapid urban growth and the second industrial revolution. Newspaper circulation grew as population and literacy rates increased among blacks and whites. People wanted to be informed and technology met the challenge through both newsgathering and the printing of newspapers; reflecting trends in other businesses, publishing a metropolitan paper became a big business. America struggled with its identity.
Many wanted a simpler life and a memory of community where news was both good and relevant. There were hard times for sure. However, the “news” was local and tragedy meant the community joined in to help one another. A new barn or a new church in the community was considered important. Both were welcomed and celebrated because they meant a better life was possible.
The season before Christmas is historically called Advent. Advent is all about the “Good News” of the in breaking of God into the world through the person of Jesus. It symbolizes a Christian’s hope in a better life today and for eternity. Civil unrest continues to be an issue in current American culture. Peace on earth feels elusive with the Islamic State spreading in the Middle East. America is divided on political and social issues. The world seems out of control and many are once again, longing for something better. Maybe we’re all still longing for a Savior.
Nostalgic remembrances can be a catalyst for self-reflection and for attempts at simplifying contemporary daily life--even if for a brief season or even one day. So as we move into this season of preparation, we (at Wheatland Salem Church) want to invite the community to go back in time, when most Christmas Eve services were held in a barn.
Come join us on Christmas Eve day, at noon and 2p.m. when Wheatland will be hosting Christmas in the barn located at 1625 Wolf’s crossing road (next to Plank). This 45 minute family time of carols, hymns, scripture and the story of Jesus’ birth will surely be something everyone will remember for years to come. Unfortunately, while the worship is always free, seating is limited in the barn for these afternoon experiences to 75 people per session. Reservations are required so don’t delay. Please go on-line to www.wheatlandsalem.org and register today.
