The meaning of Christmas can be different for different people and cultures, but it is generally celebrated as a Christian religious holiday to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ. For Christians, Christmas is a time to reflect on the significance of Jesus’ birth, emphasizing themes of love, peace and goodwill towards all.
Beyond its religious roots, Christmas has become a popular cultural occasion and festival in many parts of the world. The celebration often involves exchanging gifts, spending time with family and friends, decorating homes with festive decorations, and partaking in special meals and traditions.
The Christmas season, especially in the West, is a mixture of pre-Christian, Christian and secular traditions. The interesting thing about this celebration is the etymology of the word Christmas. This word literally means “Messiah” and abbreviated as “Mess [=ミ, ceremony] of Christ”.
Christmas is a time for spiritual reflection on important foundations of the Christian faith. It is also a time for celebration. It is a time when Christians celebrate the birth of the Christ child, Jesus, as a symbol of God’s love for the world. The Bible tells the story of his birth hundreds of years before his birth and the fulfillment of prophecies.
The story of Christmas in the Bible
The Christmas story is told in Luke chapter 2 verses 4 to 19:
“So Joseph also went up from the city of Nazareth, which was in Galilee, to Judea, to Bethlehem, the city of David, because he belonged to the house and lineage of David. He went there to register with Maryam, who was his fiancée and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for her to give birth, and she gave birth to her primogenito [=eldest son]. He wrapped him in a swaddling cloth and put him in a manger because there was no room for them in the guest house.
And shepherds lived in the surrounding fields who watched over their flocks at night. An angel from God appeared to them and the glory of God shone around them and they were afraid. But the angel said to them: ‘Don’t be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all people. Today in the city of David, a savior has been born for you; He is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.’
Suddenly, a large group of heavenly angels appeared with the angel and praised God and said: ‘Glory to God in the highest, and peace on earth to the people who are favored by Him.’
When the angels left them and went to heaven, the shepherds said to each other: ‘Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this event that God has told us.’ they found When they saw him, they spread the word about what they had been told about this child. And all who heard these words were amazed at what the shepherds told them. But Maryam cherished all these things in her heart and meditated on them. (Luke chapter 2 verses 4 to 19)
The true meaning of the Christmas celebration: the celebration of the savior
Jesus was born to pay for the wrong things we have done: sin. God sent his only son to atone for all our sins so that we are not separated from God. Without Jesus, we would all die in our sins. We inherited our sinful nature from the first humans God created, Adam and Eve. Jesus, while fully God and yet fully human, was born as a baby to save us all.
The meaning of most Christmas celebration traditions is different and has a special symbolic meaning. For example, we exchange gifts because God sent us the most precious gift: His only Son. Also, three magi (wise men) visited Jesus and brought gifts. A poem titled “A Visit from Saint Nicholas” written in 1822 also popularized the tradition of exchanging gifts.
Although people around the world celebrate Christ’s birth on December 25th, it is more likely that he was born on a different month and date. The church chose December 25 in the 4th century because it coincided with the winter solstice in the Roman calendar.
For Christians, the true meaning of Christmas is the celebration of the Savior, Jesus Christ. We know that through faith in Christ, we are sons and daughters of God. The sky will be our home one day. Maybe this will help you look at the Christmas season differently this year. An opportunity to truly understand the wonder and majesty of this season.
Today in the article : What Is the Meaning of Christmas? We reviewed useful information about the Bible and the way of Jesus. If you wish, you can view other articles of Ali Vahidi about Christianity
