The Christians and the Pagans

We attend a Unitarian Universalist church. I LOVE the openness, the tolerance, the sense that *everyone* belongs. My kids are growing up with knowledge of all religious traditions, with respect for all, with the knowledge that whatever path they choose to follow, it is okay with us and is a valid choice. I am uplifted and inspired every week in the lovely historic building our church calls home. That, my friends, is something I am grateful for. I had not felt that way in a Christian church for a long time before I found my way to Unitarian Universalism.

Yesterday a couple performed a song during the service -- "The Christians and the Pagans." It was written by the folk singer/songwriter Dar Williams and it made me smile and brought tears to my eyes. It is a wonderful reminder that we are all so much alike, and that the holidays are a time for families to be together. Here are the lyrics. Enjoy!


Amber called her uncle, said "We’re up here for the holiday,
Jane and I were having Solstice, now we need a place to stay."
And her Christ-loving uncle watched his wife hang Mary on a tree,
He watched his son hang candy canes all made with red dye number three.
He told his niece, "It's Christmas Eve, I know our life is not your style,"
She said, "Christmas is like Solstice, and we miss you and it’s been awhile."

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.

The food was great, the tree plugged in, the meal had gone without a hitch,
Till Timmy turned to Amber and said, "Is it true that you’re a witch? "
His mom jumped up and said, "The pies are burning," and she hit the kitchen,
And it was Jane who spoke, she said, "It's true, your cousin's not a Christian,"
"but we love trees, we love the snow, the friends we have, the world we share,
And you find magic from your God, and we find magic everywhere."

So the Christians and the Pagans sat together at the table,
Finding faith and common ground the best that they were able,
And where does magic come from? I think magic's in the learning,
'Cause now when Christians sit with Pagans only pumpkin pies are burning.

When Amber tried to do the dishes, her aunt said, "Really, no, don’t bother."
Amber's uncle saw how Amber looked like Tim and like her father.
He thought about his brother, how they hadn't spoken in a year,
He thought he'd call him up and say, "It's Christmas and your daughter's here."
He thought of fathers, sons and brothers, saw his own son tug his sleeve, saying,
"Can I be a pagan?" Dad said, "We'll discuss it when they leave."

So the Christians and the Pagans sat together at the table,
Finding faith and common ground the best that they were able,
Lighting trees in darkness, learning new ways from the old, and
Making sense of history and drawing warmth out of the cold.
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