Klaus Rösler works as an editor for various Christian magazines and press services, including the European Baptist Press Service, a department of the European Baptist Federation.
In German society, Christmas is above all a feast for the family and a feast of peace. It involves two holidays (the 25th and the 26th).
The reason behind Christmas — that Jesus, the Son of God, came to earth — has largely been forgotten.
Nevertheless the Christmas services in Lutheran and Catholic churches have the highest annual attendance by far. It’s a longtime tradition for many to go to church at Christmas — but never otherwise.
For trade and commerce, Christmas is, of course, vital, for it is the time when we give each other gifts.
Twenty percent of a store’s business is done only during November and December. On toys, it amounts to 30 percent. The Christmas rush begins in grocery stores as early as September, when chocolate and gingerbread Santas begin to appear on the shelves.
In December, Germany’s cities and villages are blanketed by thousands of lights, which exude a romantic atmosphere.
Every town has a Christmas market consisting of small stalls smelling of hot wine punch (Glühwein), bratwurst and holiday pastries.
And most German households will have a Christmas tree, which are to be more expensive this year than ever before. An average tree costs more than $50.
This question is tough to answer, for one cannot speak of “the Baptists” in Germany. We support a broad range of theological convictions with very different ways of expressing faith.
Some congregations use Christmas as a time for evangelistic campaigns. Becoming increasingly popular are “living mangers,” in which the Christmas story is portrayed by real people. Before Christmas, youth groups and church choirs sing in homes for the elderly and hospitals.
The biggest event of all is Christmas Eve. Then choirs and orchestras perform with additional manger games and activities for children.
Baptist services also are well attended on Christmas Eve, though there usually are not many more in attendance than for other services.
As a rule, during the course of an entire year, Baptist congregations are better attended than Lutheran or Catholic ones.
Many Baptist congregations have no services whatever on the 25th and 26th. Other congregations hold special events for singles. Christmas being a family feast leaves not a few people lonely. Such persons are then invited to visit a Baptist congregation. Other congregations offer special events for the homeless and itinerate.
Christmas is important to me as a celebration for the family. We have a seriously handicapped daughter, Marie, age 16.
She suffered cerebral bleeding 11 years ago and has been in a coma and living in a children’s care center ever since.
The remaining family visits her every year at Christmas — that is, her older sister Lara, 19, we as the parents and often also the grandparents. We sing Christmas songs for her, take her for a walk in her wheelchair and play games.
We often have the impression Marie notices that her family is there and she is glad about that. That is then a very special present for us for which we are very thankful to God.
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