While strolling through YouTube looking for Solstice/Yule carols, I came across a delightful song by Dar Williams entitled “The Christians and the Pagans” that recalls a somewhat tense but hopeful December family gathering. The first version of the chorus goes like this:

So the Christians and the Pagans sat together at the table,
Finding faith and common ground the best that they were able,
And just before the meal was served, hands were held and prayers were said,
Sending hope for peace on earth to all their gods and goddesses.

There is both humor and wisdom contained in the lyrics and as someone with a “blended family” of Christian and Pagan traditions, it really spoke to my heart. Perhaps it will speak to yours as well.

For many years I’ve considered myself to be a Christo-Pagan (or a Spiritual Mutt which is my preferred term). In my personal spiritual path I blend many faith traditions into a harmonious whole that definitely works for me. Now I find that several family members have become much more interested in “what I do.” I’ve always been open about it with them but they’ve never asked me too many follow up questions. For whatever reason, the questions are flowing freely these days and I’m excited to share with them what I’ve learned from my Pagan siblings of many different traditions.

So the Christians and the Pagans are sitting together at my holiday table. I know that’s not the case for some of you. I know that some holiday tables are contentious if not downright hostile because of differences too numerous to mention.

However, it is my hope and prayer that what Dar Williams sings about may come to pass this holiday season. Because of COVID, we’ve been apart for far too long. Maybe, this year, we’ll learn to be kinder to each other! Blessed be!

Copyright ©2021 by David Taliesin, http://www.sabbtsandsabbaths.com