ORIGIN
In the days when the Romans ruled over Israel, the Emperor ordered a a census to be taken and everyone was asked to return to his hometown. A young man, Joseph and his wife, Mary, a virgin who was expecting a child by the power of God(as believed by Christians), made a long tiring journey to Bethlehem. The town was overcrowded and there was no room available. That was serious because Mary was about to give birth to her child and needed a place to rest. Seeing their plight, an innkeeper offered some space in his stable, and it was there that Jesus Christ was born.
All over the world, Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ on 25th December which is not the actual date of his birth. This celebration originated in the 4th century AD. That was the time when the Roman Empire became Christian with the conversion of the Emperor, Constantine the Great, to Christianity. A few days after the winter solstice(22nd December), the Romans had a festival of the birth of the new sun. The Christians of Rome found this to be a suitable date to celebrate the coming of Jesus Christ.
SIGNIFICANCE
For Christians, the most important meaning of Christmas is that God has became man in Jesus Christ to bring salvation to mankind, In the Bible, Jesus is also called "Emmanuel" which means "God-with-us". In celebrating the coming of Jesus Christ believers
(a) recall the historical event more than 2000 years ago. This is the time to rejoice and thank God who "loved the world so much that he sent his Son";
(b) try to find greater meaning in their lives today. As a man, Jesus Christ, whom Christians also believe to be God, lived a fully human life. He was able to live a life of perfect love. Christians rejoice to know that such a life is possible and at Christmas, renew their faith in Jesus Christ;
(c) have their hopes renewed. No one knows what the future holds for him, but by hearing the promise of Jesus Christ, " I will be with you always", Christians live in hope as they put their trust in him.
OBSERVANCES
As Christmas is an important celebration for Christians, some churches observe a four-week period of spiritual preparation called Advert. Advert means "coming" and so during this period, Christians pray and read the Bible to focus their thoughts on their need for a Saviour in their lives. During this period of Advert, they become more aware of the kind of changes they need to make their lives in order to follow more closely the teachings of Christ. This preparation leads up to special midnight services in many churches. Apart from Masses and Holy Communion Services, some churches also stage Christmas pageants. These pageants are plays which re-enact the scence of Christ's nativity (birth). Special worship services alre also held on Christmas Day itself. The Christmas message is also proclaimed during the season through the singing of Christmas carols in churches, homes and other places.
Christmas is a special time of exchanging gifts. The giving of gifts symbolises God's great gift of the Saviour in the person of Jesus. It reflects the spirit in which Christians are to live, that is, more ready to give than to receive. Therefore, gifts are given, especially to the poor and underprivileged, as a sign of God's love for all people.
Santa Claus - This jolly character dressed in red and white still appears at Christmas much to the delight of children. Santa Claus is the nickname of Saint Nicholas, bishop who lived in the 3rd century AD. According to a legend, he secretly helped a poor man, providing him with dowries to marry off his three daughters. So nowadays, Santa Claus is known to be a good-hearted man who gives gifts to children in secret, especially at Christmas time.
The Christmas tree, an evergreen, symbolises everlasting life. The practice decorating the tree with lights could have its origin in the Roman festival which Christmas replaced. They represent the warmth of God's love which Christians experience and want to share with others, They also represent Jesus Christ whom Christians call the "Light of the world". The decorations symbolise all the blessings one has received from God during the year.
