In Russia, the first Christmas-themed stories appeared in the 19th century. The "Christmas Tales" by the English writer Charles Dickens, translated into Russian and won huge success among readers, became the basis for imitation. In Russian literature, thanks to many prominent masters of the word of art, their own sacred prose filled with deep meaning has developed.
Russian holy literature returns to people after decades of undeserved oblivion. With the resumption of the celebration of the Nativity of Christ in Russia, this stratum of national culture again delights readers with its straightforwardness, touching sentimentality and kindness.
Waiting for a miracle
It so happened that on Christmas people hope for a miracle. The heroes of the holy tales are looking forward to something new, unknown or inaccessible to them. And it comes! Not necessarily this miracle will be something incredible, just waiting will turn into ordinary human happiness, bring unexpected salvation.
Instructive kindness
In the 19th century, broad sections of the reading public loved Christmas stories for their instructiveness and good nature. The sacred stories were printed in special literary collections, on the pages of newspapers and magazines and were addressed, first of all, to children of different ages.
This literary genre has enormous potential for the education of morality, contributes to the formation of a person’s personality, since it is based on a huge meaning.
Masters of the genre
In the history of Russian literature, the merit of the revival of sacred prose belongs to N.S. Leskov. The writer, who considered the ideals of the Christian faith to be eternal, defined the genre of holy stories. According to the classic of domestic literature, these stories must necessarily contain morality, be fantastic, safely and happily end. All occurring events should take place on the holy evening from Christmas to Baptism.
N.S. Leskov created some sacred stories directly for children ("Ghost in the Engineering Castle", "Unchangeable ruble", "Scarecrow"). The storytellers in them are children, all events are evaluated through the consciousness of the child. Leskov has mischievous and curious, convoluted stories filled with deep wisdom (Pearl Necklace, Darn Thrower, Robbery).
Some stories by A. Chekhov, I. Bunin, L. Andreev, F. Sologub and others belong to the genre of sacred prose. Each of these Russian writers in his own way tried to show the main holiday, reminding people of the meaning of their existence on earth.
The recognized master of the Christmas story, Charles Dickens, considered Christmas time to be the days of "mercy, kindness and forgiveness." It is on these days that people open their hearts to each other and see each person like him. “Softened” by a great holiday hearts are capable of mercy and warmth, ready to repent.
