Welcome to the second chapter of our exploration into the essence of Christmas. In the previous chapter, we delved into the faith-based origins of this beloved holiday. Now, let’s examine how modernity and postmodernity have shaped the way we perceive and celebrate Christmas.
Once regarded with awe and reverence, the story of Jesus as told by Luke now seems to lack the same impact in our postmodern world. The divinity of Jesus is no longer a widely accepted belief, and without a strong narrative to support it, Christmas has lost its spiritual significance. The holiday has been reduced to a mere shell of its former self, stripped of its mystery and transformed into a commercialized spectacle. Our cities, once adorned with sacred symbols, now resemble amusement parks during the holiday season, with flashy displays and consumer-driven events overshadowing the true meaning of Christmas.
The pervasive influence of commercialism has infiltrated every aspect of Christmas. Cities use elaborate light displays to attract tourists, and bookstore shelves are filled with children’s tales instead of religious texts. The focus has shifted from spiritual reflection to indulgence, turning Christmas into a superficial celebration centered on consumption.
This shift in perception can be traced back to the evolution of Western culture. In the past, religion, science, and philosophy coexisted harmoniously, each contributing to a holistic understanding of the world. However, the Protestant Reformation and the Enlightenment fractured this unity, relegating faith to the realm of personal belief and prioritizing reason and progress over spiritual matters.
As society embraced the ideals of progress and materialism, the hope for a better future gave way to disillusionment and skepticism. Postmodernity emerged as a response to the failures of modernity, emphasizing the present moment over grand narratives of progress. We now live in a “post-narrative” era, where transient experiences replace enduring truths and overarching beliefs.
Despite the advances in science and technology, the existential questions that have plagued humanity for centuries remain unresolved. The transition from a religious worldview to a materialistic one has left Christmas devoid of its original depth and meaning. What was once a celebration of divine incarnation has been reduced to a shallow spectacle, lacking in substance.
