The Many Myths, Metaphors, and Meanings of the Season

With Rev. Art Severance

December 14, 2025

I have always been interested in both the psychological and theological “Myths, Metaphors, and Meanings, “ behind all religion, but especially the big holidays which are both cultural as well as religious. Did you know  that in this so-called Christian country, celebrating Xmas was once illegal!? Or that the origins of Santa Claus may go back before Christian times? That the Christian scriptures never mention the date of Jesus’ birth? And yet, Xmas is still wonderful! Especially, of course, for children of our culture whose religion is mainstream Christian, and not because of Jesus’ birthday! .There is still magic in this holiday.

Sounding of the Bowl – Rev. Art Severance          

Prelude – Jaime Ramirez                  

Welcome and Greeting – Gary Anholt                     

Opening Words                                

Chalice & Advent Candles Lighting                                                                          

Opening Hymn – #253 O Come, All Ye Faithful

deste, fideles, laeti triumphantes;
venite, venite in Bethlehem.
Natum videte Regem angelorum.

(Chorus)
venite, adoremus,
venite, adoremus,
venite, adoremus Dominum.

O come, all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant,
O come ye, O come ye, to Bethlehem.
Come and behold him, born the King of angels;

(Chorus)

Lo, humble shepherds, hasting to his cradle,
leaving their flocks in the fields, draw near.
We, too, with gladness, thither bend our footsteps;

(Chorus)

Sing, choirs of angels, sing in exultation;
O sing, all ye citizens of heaven above!
Glory to God, all glory in the highest;

(Chorus)

Covenant                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          

Anthem – “Carol of the Bells” a Ukrainian Christmas Carol, performed by the First UU FLUUTE Ensemble  

Stone Ceremony                                                      

Reading the Community Book of Life       

Pastoral Meditation

Story Wisdom                      

Children’s Recessional  

Reading                                             

Sermon – The Many Myths, Metaphors, and Meanings of the Season

Invitation to Generosity                              

Offertory Music – “Don in Yon Forest” performed by the Honest Sirens

Closing Hym – #255 There’s a Star in the East 

There’s a star in the East on Christmas morn,
rise up, shepherd, and follow.
It will lead to the place where the babe is born;
rise up, shepherd, and follow.

(Chorus)
Leave your ewes and leave your lambs,
rise up, shepherd, and follow.
Leave your sheep and leave your rams,
rise up, shepherd, and follow.
Follow, follow, rise up, shepherd, and follow.
Follow the star of Bethlehem,
rise up, shepherd, and follow.

If you hark to the angel’s holy word,
rise up, shepherd, and follow.
You’ll forget your flock, you’ll forget your herd;
rise up, shepherd, and follow.

(Chorus)                            

Extinguishing the Chalice/Benediction    

Postlude