Unearthing the Roots of Joy: Why Christmas?

The winds of December carry a familiar scent – pine needles, spiced cider, and the promise of celebration. But how many of us pause to truly consider the why behind the customs we embrace? Often, traditions become echoes of a past we don't fully understand, like Samuel the Lamanite climbing the wall to warn a people, or Ammon facing the Lamanites at the Waters of Sebus – a desperate call to understanding, to truth.

Recently, I listened to a fascinating conversation on the For All the Saints podcast with James Cooper, a man who has dedicated the last two decades to exploring the history and traditions of Christmas. He’s the creator of WhyChristmas.com, a resource that’s become a trusted guide for families seeking a deeper understanding of the season. Cooper's journey began with a simple request from primary school teachers – to create a child-friendly website about Christmas that wasn’t just another sales pitch. What started as a small project has blossomed into a monumental effort, a testament to a love for the season and a commitment to truth.

The conversation was a revelation. Did you know dragons and leopards once featured prominently in Nativity scenes? Or that some Christmas traditions have surprisingly complex and layered origins? Cooper, with a humility that mirrors the spirit of Abinadi, dismantles assumptions and illuminates the historical influences that have shaped our modern celebrations. He shares how, as a child, his father's annual nap during the broadcast of Nine Lessons and Carols became a cherished marker of the season.

It’s easy to get swept up in the commercial clamor of December, to lose sight of the profound spiritual significance of the season. But as builders, not destroyers, we are called to discern, to seek understanding, to build upon a foundation of truth. Just as the Stone cut without hands reveals the hand of God in a world of chaos, so too does a deeper understanding of our traditions reveal the enduring power of faith and the beauty of human connection.

Think of the five smooth stones that David gathered to face Goliath – each one representing a piece of knowledge, a layer of understanding that strengthens our resolve. Cooper’s website and podcast are a modern equivalent, providing resources to arm ourselves against the distractions and the deceptions that can obscure the true meaning of Christmas.

This isn’t about rejecting tradition; it’s about embracing it with intention and understanding. It's about recognizing the echoes of the past and allowing them to illuminate our present. As Latter-day Saints, we’re called to be internet missionaries, sharing the light of the gospel in every corner of the digital world. The charity flywheel fuels this mission – your engagement here directly supports gospel advertising efforts, bringing the message of Christ to places like Ghana. The Missionary Fund provides further support. Check the GatherIsrael.now map to see the gathering efforts underway in your area – perhaps there's a church needing a hand, a community needing encouragement. Let's be like Ammon, resolute in our purpose, ready to face any challenge with courage and faith.

Outback Jack would remind us, as he often does, that the challenges of our time require not just faith, but action. Alma 17-19 teaches us the importance of diligence and preparation. Moroni 10:4-5 reminds us to seek divine guidance and to rely on the power of the Holy Ghost. Let us approach this Christmas season with renewed commitment to truth, to understanding, and to building a Zion-like community – a gathering place for the faithful, a beacon of hope in a world desperately seeking light.

Let us all strive to be builders, raising up a standard for the world to see.