Wednesday, August 3, 2022

David O. McKay on the Appropriateness of Using Traditional Christmas Symbols and Uncertainty as to the Date of Christ's Birth

Recollecting his father's teachings on Christmas symbols and uncertainty about the date of Christ's birth, Llewelyn R. McKay wrote the following:


Christmas Symbols

 

Some people have claimed that Church members should not use the Christmas tree, the holly wreath and evergreen as decorations at Christmas time because these things are heathen in origin. Father is not in accord with this attitude.

 

The fact that the evergreen tree antedates Christianity as a symbol of fertility and also of everlasting life does not lessen its appropriateness to be used by Christians. The giving of gifts on a particular day likewise goes back to early historic time, for instance, a day was set apart in Rome during which time honey was given to one another by the people that life might be sweeter. Father thinks the giving of gifts probably dates back to the Wise Men. The legend of St. Nicholas is also highly appropriate for Christmas for it symbolizes the spirit of giving.

 

“Actually we do not know when Christ’s birthday occurred. It has been celebrated in January, in April, in May, and in December. The important thing is that we realize that Christmas, the day which has been generally set to celebrate Christ’s birth, is recognized as a day that should ‘change all grief into love.’ (Home Memories of President David O. McKay, comp. Llewelyn R. McKay [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Company, 1956], 200)

 

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