Christmas is celebrated across most of the countries around the world on 25th December every year to mark the birth of Jesus of Nazareth. It is preceded by Christmas Eve on December 24. In many countries, the day following Christmas Day is called 'Boxing Day'. This word derived from the traditional custom which started long time back in the Middle Ages around 800 years ago. That was the time when churches would open
Every year, in the month of December, people start with the preparations for the grand fiesta. Christmas lights gleam in the streets; Christmas carols fill the air with melody and rhythm, sweet smell of Christmas cakes and sweets is felt everywhere. Yes! It is that time of the year again…a time to sing carols! A time to dance to Christmas tunes! A time to make merry with friends and family! A time for fun and frolic! Gather knowledge and know all about Christmas with Christmas Carnivals.
Christmas in literally terms means the Mass (celebration) of Christ. "Christ" is a Greek word and title, meaning "anointed" or one set apart by God for a special purpose. "Christ" is equivalent to the Hebrew word "Messiah." Based on the words of ancient prophets, the first century Jewish people expected the arrival of the Messiah promised by God as a great deliver of the people.
According to the history of Christmas, Jesus Christ, the Son of God, was born to his mother Mary, in a humble manger in the small town of Bethlehem in modern day Israel. A shining star appeared in the sky over Bethlehem and guided Three Wise Men to the small manger where the Christ Child lay. The Three Kings brought gifts of Gold Frankincense and Myrrh for the Baby Jesus, because they recognized this child was going to be the savior or Messiah of his chosen people
Why is a Christmas tree always decorated? In the 7th century a monk from Crediton, Devonshire, went to Germany to teach the Word of God. He did a lot of good work there, and spent much time in Thuringia, a palce which was to go down in history as the cradle of the Christmas Decoration Industry.
Legend has it that he used the triangular shape of the Fir Tree to describe the Holy Trinity of God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. The converted people began to revere the Fir tree as God's Tree, as they had previously revered the Oak. By the 12th century it was being hung, upside-down, from ceilings at Christmastime in Central Europe, as a symbol of Christianity.
It has been an age old and standing tradition for people to gather around a crèche or a Christmas tree with family and friends and sing songs about Christmas, Santa Claus, and the birth of Christ.
There is reference to England and a possible beginning of the tradition of carolers receiving hot meals or money in return for their performance, which would account for the hot apple cider and cookies that are often offered to those who have caroled at a doorstep.
In many countries around the world,groups of people known as carolers go around to their neighbors singing songs of the season. Many hold flashlights or candles and afterwards gather at a friend's house to drink hot cocoa and cider.
St. Francisis of Assisi is thought to have been the person who brought carols into formal worship during Christmas Eve Sermons.
“No matter where you’re reading in the Bible, faith is the first mystery you should recognize. Faith is not believing that the story you’re reading is true as written. That does nothing for anyone. Even unbelievers can believe this Bible story about Jesus’ birth is true. Faith is not a natural work apart from God’s grace, as the Scripture clearly teaches. Rather the right kind of faith, the kind that flows from grace and that God’s Word demands, is firmly believing that Christ was born for you. His birth is yours and occurred for your benefit.
For the gospel teaches that Christ was born for our benefit and that everything he did and suffered was for us. As the angel says here, “I have good news for you, a message that will fill everyone with joy. Today your Savior, Christ the Lord, was born in David’s city.” With these words, you can clearly see that he was born for all of us.
He doesn’t say, “a Savior was born,” but rather, “your Savior, Christ the Lord, was born.” In the same way, he doesn’t say, “I have good news,” rather “I have good news for you.” For you! “I have good news for you, a message that will fill everyone with joy.” This joy is for everyone who has this kind of faith.”
