Although you have probably been inundated with Christmas music, commercials, shopping, etc. by now, it wouldn't be a spiritual blog without some mention of Christmas - and a perspective injected.
Since this is a blog, this post contains a collection of what Christmas means from the author's perspective.To begin with:
Of course people recognize Christmas as the birth of Jesus. Even non-Christians throughout the world are probably aware of this, since it has been told to us throughout our lives.
However, some people say Jesus might or might not have actually been born on that day, which is December 25.
Of all the Biblical and non-Biblical references to the day it is likely more based on the Pagan Saturnalia, which include the shortest days of the year. Even in Israel it gets cold at night in December.
As the days start to get longer it might reflect Jesus as the light of the world. They had to pick one day of the year to celebrate it, didn't they?
In regards to the jolly St. Nick we are accustomed to; he was also modeled after something else, but the Saint actually existed.
St. Nicholas was a real saint in Europe in the third and fourth centuries A.D. He was a Greek Bishop, who was known for things such as leaving secret gifts in people's shoes in Europe. He must have become pretty popular.
In Dutch his name was Sinterklaas. Thus, the English translation is "Santa Claus". He also comes and leaves people gifts in secret.
What about red and green representing Christmas? Why is it those colors instead of other ones?
Some say the red in red and green represents the blood of Jesus. Others say the colors represent the Paradise Tree in the Garden Of Eden. Green could represent a lot of things, too, but psychologically it represents balance and harmony.
And, in contemporary society of course, the Christmas season is most reflected by the tradition of giving gifts to each other. Arguably it has become too much about this.
Have you ever thought about why gifts are exchanged as you are doing it? Here are some thoughts:
1. Some say the symbolic origins are in the Three Wise Men and the gifts they brought Jesus.
2. It is symbolic of celebrating Jesus forgiveness and eternal life.
3. It shows all humans have value to God.
4. It shows God intended for humans to give part of themselves.
5. And, of course, it show love, which is the essence of the New Covenant.
Other Representations Of Christmas
When you eat on Christmas, please remember the sharing of meals Biblically represents the relationships between the people eating more than it does food itself. (For example, the Lord's Supper). When Jesus ate with sinners in the Bible, the emphasis was on his relationship to the people, and not on what they ate.
When people gather to eat in the Bible their relationships with each other are significant.
Furthermore it is widely believed Jesus is in your midst at a meal.
This is something for us to think about, as well.
Personally, one question that used to come up at Christmas time was, "What are the 12 Days Of Christmas in the song?" Was it the 12 days leading up to Christmas?
Actually, the 12 days of Christmas can also mean the 12 liturgical days between Christmas and the Baptism of Christ on January 6, which is also the beginning of his ministry ( Theophany).
Many Eastern Orthodox churches recognize this day of Theophany, with the difference being reflected in the calendar used. (Julian or Gregorian). Some even consider Theophany Christmas, so to speak.
And, as significant, it is a good time to sit back and think about why the holiday is celebrated to begin with. In Biblical times people actually gathered more for a person's death then to celebrate their birth. For instance the day Jesus died would be more recognized than the day he was born.
Christmas And Beyond
The gift of eternal life is remarkable, when you think about it. It is undeserved and it shows how much the God of All cares about what he created.
The birth of Jesus represents a lot of things; namely God becoming man, the entrance of the Messiah into the world and the redemption of all humankind to God.
That is a lot to think about. Maybe that is why it is only once a year.