What Is Christmas: It’s Meaning, History and Origin Explained
December 25
Christmas Day
Wednesday, December 25th, 2024
What Is Christmas and When Did it Start?
Christmas, the cherished annual Christian festival celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ, is a time-honored tradition observed on December 25th in the Western Church. The origins of this date trace back to ancient times, with its association dating as far back as A.D. 273. Interestingly, the historical significance of December 25th intersects with two pagan festivals that honored the sun. Some historical accounts suggest that the choice of December 25th for Christmas was deliberate, aiming to counteract the influence of these pagan celebrations.
Nevertheless, even today, a lingering unease about Christmas persists among certain individuals who worry that its historical connection to pagan festivals might somehow taint its Christian significance. However, at the heart of the Christian faith lies the belief that the gospel not only transcends cultural influences but also has the power to transform them. In the early 4th century, around A.D. 320, a theologian responded to these concerns by offering a profound perspective, stating, “We hold this day holy, not like the pagans because of the birth of the sun, but because of Him who made it.” This eloquent assertion underscores the essence of Christmas—honoring the birth of Jesus Christ as the true source of light and hope, transcending any historical associations and reaffirming the profound spiritual significance of this sacred holiday.
How Did Christmas Begin?
The origin story of Christmas dates back to the Christian tradition, which celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ as the central event of Christmas. The nativity story of the birth of Jesus is primarily found in the New Testament of the Bible, specifically in the books of Matthew and Luke.
According to the Bible, the story begins with the announcement of the birth of Jesus to the Virgin Mary by the angel Gabriel. In the Gospel of Luke, Mary is visited by the angel, who tells her that she will conceive and give birth to a son, Jesus, who will be the Son of God. Mary accepts this divine message with faith.
In the Gospel of Matthew, Joseph, Mary’s husband-to-be, also receives a divine message in a dream, confirming the miraculous nature of Mary’s pregnancy and instructing him to take Mary as his wife. Joseph obediently follows God’s guidance.
The birth of Jesus itself takes place in Bethlehem, as prophesied in the Old Testament. The couple, Mary and Joseph, travel to Bethlehem for a census, and because there is no room in the inn, Jesus is born in a humble stable or manger. Angels appear to shepherds in the fields, announcing the birth of the Savior and guiding them to the newborn baby.
Later, wise men from the East, known as the Magi, follow a star to Bethlehem, where they present gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh to the infant Jesus, symbolizing his royal and divine nature.
The Christmas story, as told in the Bible, is central to the Christian faith and is commemorated annually on December 25th. The celebration of Christmas has evolved over the centuries and incorporates various cultural and religious traditions, but its core message remains the birth of Jesus Christ as the fulfillment of God’s promise to bring salvation and hope to humanity.
From: www.crosswalk.com
