Christmas is joyful and colorful, but how did it come to be so well-known? A season of joy and family fun accentuated by customs drawn from other cultures, it has become an increasingly secularized festival in modern times. Here is the history of Christmas as well as the meaning of some of its most cherished traditions.
Every year on the 25th of December, billions of people throughout the world observe Christmas as a religious and cultural holiday in remembrance of the birth of Jesus Christ. As a model and cornerstone of the Christian faith, Christians observe this day to commemorate the birth of the Savior of the World. Christmas is joyfully observed as loved ones get together to feast and exchange gifts while the day is topped off with stunning decorations in the colors of green, red, white, and gold.
Origin of Christmas: The Event
The celebration of Saturnalia, a week-long period of lawlessness observed from December 17–25, was initially observed by pagans in Rome, which is where Christmas’s origins can be found. Roman law prohibited harming individuals or causing property damage during the week-long festival, and Roman courts were closed during this period.
The “Lord of Misrule” was selected by the Roman government to be “an adversary of the Roman people”
when the event began. Every Roman neighborhood choose a victim, who was forced to indulge in food and other sensual pleasures for the entire week. The Roman government believed it had quelled the forces of darkness when the festival ended on December 25. Jesus’ birth was not commemorated in the early years of Christianity; instead, Easter was the main holiday. In the fourth century, church authorities decided to declare the birth of Jesus a holiday. Sadly, his birthdate is not mentioned in the Bible.
Even though some evidence suggests that Pope Julius I may have been born in the spring because shepherds wouldn’t be herding in the middle of winter, he chose December 25 as his birthday. It is believed that the church chose this day in an effort to integrate and adopt the practices of the pagan Saturnalia feast.
Would you conclude that Christmas is a pagan holiday in light of all this evidence? Don’t jump to conclusions just yet; continue reading to learn more.
What Was Christmas Called?
We are referring to the word “Christmas’ etymology” when we use the phrase “Christmas’ actual name.”
Originally written as Cristes-messe in 1131 and Cristes-maesse in 1038, the English word “Christmas” eventually evolved into Christ-Mass, which meant Mass on Christ’s day. Christians all throughout the world, mainly Catholics, travel to church early in the morning to attend Mass on Christ’s birthday. The origin of Christmas may be traced back to the Roman Empire.
However, other individuals call the day Christmas, Nativity, or Noel.
Why Do We Celebrate Christmas?
Remembering the birth of Jesus Christ is the central purpose of the Christmas holiday. Scriptural quotation from the Bible:
Isaiah 9:6 KJV
For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
Nowadays, people mostly recall him as the cheery man in red who gives toys and presents to good girls and boys on Christmas Eve. Way In the third century, Santa Claus actually existed. Nowadays, people try to imitate Saint Nicholas and his charitable deeds.
Jesus’ last name, what was it?
Jesus was not given a last name, or he does not have one, according to the scriptures, which also refer to him by name;
Matthew 1:23
“Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us).
Matthew 1:21
“She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”
Which Month, June or July, Was Jesus’ Birth?
Scripture and historical texts both exclude mention of Jesus’ birth. Despite the fact that the Bible does not support many of the people’s theories about the birth of Jesus,
Is Christmas a purely pagan celebration?
No, Christmas is not a pagan event, despite the fact that December 25, the day on which Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, is linked to a number of pagan customs that date back to the Roman Empire.
The Day of the Unconquered Sun is observed on December 25 in ancient Rome. It occurred after Saturnalia, a festival when people feasted and exchanged gifts. Under the leadership of Constantine, the first Christian emperor, the church in Rome began celebrating Christmas on December 25 in the fourth century, perhaps in an effort to lessen paganism.
What Type of Holiday Was It? In the past, as Christmas gained popularity, new traditions started to take shape. In medieval England, Christmas was a twelve-day event marked by a wide range of festivities, such as plays, lavish feasts, and pageants commemorating the birth of Jesus. Playing music, giving gifts, and decorating became customary.
Twelvetide, often known as “the Twelve Days of Christmas,” is a joyful Christian season that celebrates the birth of Jesus. The Twelve Days are honored from December 25 through January 5 inclusively.
Christians’ Christmas celebration practices
A carol service is usually held during church services for Christians. Sometimes on Christmas Eve, a ceremony called Midnight Mass is held. Christians usually celebrate Christmas by giving and receiving gifts, which serves as a reminder of Jesus’ initial gift, which launched his earthly life.
Christians also utilize this time to catch up with friends and family during meals, get-togethers, or events.
10 Justifications for Christmas
There are many reasons to celebrate Christmas, including the fact that Christ’s birth is the greatest development in human history.
Here are a few explanations on why Christmas is observed:
- Christmas is observed because it marks the birth of Christ, the world’s Savior.
- Because of the good news that Jesus Christ’s birth brought, we celebrate Christmas. Good news is welcomed, just as the angel had declared, “I bring you good news.”
- Christ was born to save the world from sin and to absolve humanity of the guilt of sin.
- Because Christ was born to undo the work of evil and spread light to the globe, Christmas is celebrated.
- Christians Celebrate the birth of Christ because His existence is to preach the gospel and bring redemption to mankind.
- We celebrate because Christ was born to die for the world, to give himself as a ransom.
- Christmas is celebrated because it allows you to connect and reunite with friends and families.
- The season of Christmas is all about exchanging gifts and having a good time and creating long-lasting memories.
- The season of Christmas brings Joy, as the atmosphere is filled with positive energy.
- To crown it all, it is a season where we extend the hands of love to neighbors and those who have no family to celebrate with them.
Christmas Thanksgiving Prayer
Say this prayer for yourself and your loved ones during dinner or other gatherings, regardless of the traditions you observe around Christmas.
Our hearts are filled with the serenity that only you can give. Dearest Father, we thank you for the gift of Your Son, Jesus, whose arrival in our world brought about a shift in our life. Amen.
Father, we thank you for the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ. In the name of Jesus, we pray for increased joy this season.
We thank you, Dear God, for allowing us to rejoice with everyone here, and we ask that no one be left out of the next celebration in Jesus’ name.
As we eat, Lord, we give you thanks for your supply. In the name of Jesus, we bless and sanctify the food.
Provide for, console, and bring joy to people who don’t have family to enjoy the holiday with.
Do not do these things on Christmas Day.
Christmas is quickly approaching, and everyone is trying to make the most of it. This can either have a great or negative impact on our lives.
The following are some Christmastime activities you should never attempt to avoid touching stories.
- Do not visit relatives without gifts.
- Fighting with family and friends is not permitted.
- If you are not married, you should not engage in sexual activities.
- Don’t forget to show kindness to those who are less fortunate by giving them alms.
- Do not blow up your entire life savings on Christmas; instead, think about January.
- Your life is more important than the A-Day Celebration, so don’t drink and drive.
- When you receive a gift, be grateful for it no matter how small it is. Avoid attempting to negotiate the price.
- Don’t forget to thank the cook; it can be very stressful to prepare meals over the holiday season.
- Avoid going on late-night excursions, and be careful.
In conclusion, remember to take lovely photos and make memories for yourself. Whatever the customs in your family, a wreath fundamentally honors the cyclical aspect of life.