CHRISTMAS – UNDERSTANDING THE HISTORY AND ORIGIN OF CHRISTMAS.
Christmas is a yearly celebration honoring the birth of Jesus Christ, celebrated by billions of people all over the world on the 25th day of December as a religious and cultural holiday. Christians mark this day to celebrate the birth of the Savior of the world who is a model and foundation of the Christian faith. Christmas day is celebrated in love as friends and families gather to feast, sharing presents in beautiful decorations with the colors, Green, Red, White, and Gold to climax the day.
»2022 Christmas Day: Sunday, 25 December.
The Meaning of Christmas is ”Mass on Christ’s day”.
UNDERSTANDING THE ORIGIN OF CHRISTMAS
The Origin of Christmas can be traced back to the Roman empire when the feast of Saturnalia, a week-long time of lawlessness observed from December 17–25, was first observed by pagans in Rome. Roman courts were closed during this time and was against the law to harm people or damage property during the week-long festival, according to Roman law.
The event got started when the “Lord of Misrule” was chosen by the Roman government to be “an adversary of the Roman people.” Each Roman neighborhood chose a victim, who was made to enjoy food and other sensual delights all week. When the festival ended on December 25, the Roman authorities thought they were squelching the forces of darkness. However, Easter was the primary celebration in the early years of Christianity; Jesus’ birth was not observed. Church leaders made the decision to make the birth of Jesus a holiday in the fourth century. Sadly, the Bible makes no mention of his birth date.
The greatest Pope Julius I of the Roman Catholic Church, picked the 25th of December, even though some evidence indicates that he may have been born in the spring because why would shepherds be herding in the dead of winter? The church is thought to have selected this day in an effort to assimilate and incorporate the customs of the paganism Saturnalia festival.
With all this evidence, Would you say Christmas is a Pagan Celebration? You can’t make conclusions yet, please, read on to find out.
What is Christmas Real name?
By the word “Christmas real name”, we are referring to the etymology of the word ”Christmas”.
The English word “Christmas” was recorded as Crīstesmæsse in 1038 and Cristes-messe in 1131 and later became Christ-Mass, which means Mass on Christ’s day. The origin of Christmas can be traced back to the Roman Empire, Christians all over the world especially Catholics go to church early in the morning to observe Mass on Christ’s birthday.
However, some people refer to the day as Noël, Nativity, or Xmas.
Why Christmas Is Celebrated?
The main essence of the Christmas celebration is to remember the birth of Jesus Christ. Scriptural reference from the Bible says;
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.
To know more about the reason for the Christmas celebration, keep reading as i have already highlighted 10 reasons below.
Who Celebrates Christmas?
Christmas used to be a Christian holiday honoring the birth of Jesus, but in the early 20th century it also evolved into a secular family event that was celebrated by both Christians and non-Christians.
Is Christmas on the 24th or 25th?
According to the Gregorian Calendar On December 25, many Christians celebrate Christmas. This day corresponds to January 7 on the Gregorian calendar for Eastern Orthodox churches that still utilize the Julian calendar for liturgical celebrations.
Christmas is celebrated on the 25th of December 2022.
Is Santa Claus real?
Santa Claus whose original name is Saint Nicholas has a lengthy history rooted in Christmas customs. His legend dates all the way back to the third century when Saint Nicholas lived on earth and became the patron saint of kids. Today, he is primarily remembered as the cheery guy in red who distributes toys and gifts to good girls and boys on Christmas Eve. Way Back in the third century, Santa Claus Was very real, currently, people try to mimic Saint Nicholas and his good deeds.
What was Jesus Last Name?
According to scriptures, Jesus was not given a last name, or He Does not have a last name, he was referred to by name names in the scripture;
Matthew 1:21
“She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”Matthew 1:23
“Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us).
Was Jesus Born In June Or July?
The birth of Jesus was not stated in the scripture or any historical book. Although several people have their opinions as to when Jesus was born which is not backed up by the Bible.
Is Christmas Purely A Pagan Festival?
No, Christmas is not a Pagan festival, Though December 25 which is the day Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, is associated with several pagan traditions traced back to the Roman Empire.
In ancient Rome, December 25 is celebrated as the Day of the Unconquered Sun. It came after Saturnalia, a holiday during which people feasted and gave and received presents. To possibly diminish paganism, the church in Rome started celebrating Christmas on December 25 in the fourth century, under the rule of Constantine, the first Christian emperor.
How Was Christmas Celebrated In The Past
Christmas became more and more well-known, and new customs emerged. Christmas was a 12-day celebration in medieval England that included a variety of revelry, including plays, extravagant feasts, and pageants honoring the birth of Jesus. The custom of playing music, giving gifts, and decorating spread.
The joyous Christian season is known as Twelvetide, or “the Twelve Days of Christmas,” honors the birth of Jesus and the Twelve Days are observed from December 25 through January 5 inclusively.
How Christians Celebrate Christmas?
For Christians, a carol service is frequently held during church services. Midnight Mass, a Christmas Day service sometimes occurs at midnight. Christmas is frequently observed by Christians by exchanging gifts and cards, they are reminded of Jesus’ initial gift, which began his earthly life.
Christians also use this period to reunite with friends and families through dinner, hangouts or parties.
10 Reasons Why We Celebrate Christmas
There are many reasons why Christmas is celebrated, The Birth of Christ is significant to humanity and as such the best thing that has happened to mankind.
Below are a few reasons why Christmas is celebrated;
- Christmas is celebrated because it signifies the birth of Christ who is the savior of the world
- We celebrate Christmas because the birth of Jesus Christ Brought Good News Just as the Angel said ” I bring you Good News” good news are celebrated.
- Christ was born to safe the world from sin, Christ was born to remove the guilt of sin from humanity.
- Christmas is celebrated because Christ was born to destroy the work of darkness and bring light to the world.
- 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 Prayer
No matter what customs you believe about Christmas, say this prayer for yourself and your loved ones, either during Dinner or Hangouts.
- Dearest Father, we thank you for the gift of Your Son, Jesus, whose entry into our world brought a change in our life so we celebrate today, Fill our hearts with the peace that only you provide. Amen.
- Father thank you for the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ, we pray for more good tidings we experience this season in Jesus Name.
- For everyone gathered here to celebrate, we thank you Dear God, we pray none is missing on the Next Celebration in Jesus Name.
- Lord, we thank you for provision as we eat, we bless and sanctify the food in Jesus Name.
- Father for those who have no family to celebrate with, provide for them, comfort them and make them Merry.
Things You Should Not Do On Christmas Day
As Christmas is fast Approaching the atmosphere is heated as everyone is trying to make the best of it, this can either positively or negatively affect our Life.
Below are a few things you should never try to do during Christmas to Avoid stories that touch.
- Do not involve in Sexual Activities if you are not married
- Do not forget to extend the hand of love to the less privileged, by giving alms to them
- Do not spend all of your life savings to celebrate Christmas, remember January
- Do not go visiting families without gift items
- Fighting with friends and families is prohibited
- Do not drink and drive, your life is more important than A-day Celebration
- When you get a present appreciate it no matter how little it is, do not try to ask for the Cost, Don’t!
- Don’t forget to compliment the cook, cooking during the festive period can be a lot stressful.
- You should avoid late-night outings, Stay Safe.
- Overall, Do not forget to take Beautiful pictures, and create memories for yourself
