Deepertruth: Christmas The Tradition of the Yule Log and Christmas

Christmas The Tradition of the Yule Log and Christmas

Christmas is one of those times when families come together, when people at work come together highlighting the spirit of good will towards all men.

Fire has relevance in Christian theology, it speaks to the power of the Holy Spirit, fire speaks to the cleansing of the soul, it speaks to a person coming alive through Baptism. Hebrews 12:29 refers to God as a "consuming fire"

The Celebration of the Yule means no work as long as the special log burns. It perfectly speaks to the Hebrew understanding of Shalom or peace. It is festive, it involves the gathering family, friends, neighbors story telling, dancing, celebrating feasts.

Pope Julius I (337-352 A.D.) incorporated the tradition of the yule which came from Scandinavia celebrating the Winter Solstice, to celebrate Christmas. The Yule log traditional fire came to represent the light of the Savior instead of the light of the Sun. On or about Christmas eve, a big log was brought into a home or large hall. Songs were sung and stories told. Children danced. Offerings of food and wine and decorations were placed upon it. Personal faults, mistakes and bad choices were burned in the flame so everyone's new year would start with a clean slate. The log was never allowed to burn completely, a bit was kept in the house to start next years log. The log brought good luck. Any pieces that were kept protected a house from fire, or lightning, or hail. Ashes of the log would be placed in wells to keep the water good. Ashes were also placed at the roots of fruit trees and vines to help them bear a good harvest.