Have you caught yourself humming, “I’m Dreaming of a White Christmas?” Are you hoping to be home for Christmas, greeted with snow and mistletoe? Maybe you’re imagining a sleigh ride “when outside the snow is falling,” or looking forward to hearing sleigh bells as you belt out “Jingle Bells” while dashing through the snow. Of course, you might first need to shout, “Let it Snow!”
It’s fascinating how our favorite Christmas songs shape our longing for a snowy holiday season. The imagery of a white Christmas is deeply woven into our traditions. Yet, as much as we treasure this wintry vision, it’s highly unlikely snow graced Bethlehem during that first Christmas. With the Mediterranean’s rainy, humid climate, the Holy Family probably didn’t need the Magi to bring mittens or snow boots.
So, how did snow become synonymous with Christmas? As Christianity spread to Nordic and northern European cultures, local traditions merged with church celebrations. For instance, Bishop Nicholas of Myra—a Mediterranean native—underwent a mythical makeover, trading his seaside home for the North Pole and becoming the Santa Claus we know today.
Arguably, no one influenced the snowy imagery of Christmas more than Charles Dickens. On this day in 1843, Dickens published A Christmas Carol, which sold out by Christmas Eve that year. Beyond introducing us to Ebenezer Scrooge, the novella painted the Victorian Christmas scenes that now define our holiday imagination. Dickens continued to cement this imagery through other Christmas tales, and his major novels like David Copperfield and A Tale of Two Cities further showcased his literary genius.
As we anticipate Christmas, meteorologists haven’t yet promised a white holiday, Mediterranean rainfall, or clear skies. But one thing is certain: the Angels on High will proclaim the good news!
Join us—no matter the weather—for the Fourth Sunday of Advent on December 22 at 9:30 AM. Celebrate with us on Christmas Eve at 5:00 PM and 7:00 PM, and on Christmas Day at 9:30 AM. Let’s share in the joy of the season together!
Blessings,
Pastor Marc
Rev. Marc Herbst
Pastor
St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church
36 East John Street
Lindenhurst, NY 11757
