Are you getting tired of Christmas carols yet?
Many people do think like that and wonder why the music is on so much.
We all know Christmas celebrates the day Jesus was supposedly born. As these posts look at things from different perspectives a person could ask WHY we celebrate the day Jesus was born.
It sounds obvious but there might be other ways of looking at Jesus and his birth.
So, here it goes. Here are some random thoughts about the celebration of Christmas and the meaning:
1. Why is Christmas December 25?
One theory is the date of Christmas comes from the pagan holiday Saturnalia. It was actually more than one day but it usually ended December 25. One part of Saturnalia was that it fell during the Winter Solstice, which is the longest day of the year. As the saying goes, "Jesus is the light of the world." What better day would there be to pick?
Why did it coincide with a pagan holiday? It likely had to do with the conversion of the Roman Empire. many symbols, etc. for Christianity likely came from pagan traditions of the time.
Many in the Church do not think Jesus was born on December 25, for various reasons. Some more thoughts on the topic can be found at When Was Jesus Christ Born?
2. The name days for Saints in the Church usually fell on the day they died.
This is true, but Jesus was no ordinary Saint in Christianity. The Son Of God does not follow the same rules as humans do. In this case the date of birth was chosen instead of the date of death.
As a side note what is the other significant Christian holiday? It is Easter which came right after his death.
More about this topic can be found at Saturnalia.
3. It means Jesus values YOU
For God did not send his son into the world to condemn the world, but rather to save the world through him."
- Gospel Of John 3:17
Other than following the will of the Father a primary reason Jesus came into the world was to redeem humankind. Although December 25 represents his birthday they day is also about what it means to humankind. God did not have to send his only son to save the world. This means that Jesus cares about each one of Creation, regardless of who they are.
After all Christianity believes Jesus is the Messiah the Old Testament is referring to and pointing to. Hallelujah!
4. God sent his only son to suffer because he cared about humankind.
In Roman Catholicism it is widely believed that Jesus came to earth to redeem humankind from the fall in the Garden Of Eden.
This is noble, but Eastern Catholics (Orthodox) take it further. They believe God would have sent his only son into the world anyway. In other words if there was no fall of man these people still think Jesus would have come to earth to Creation.
Christianity is often recognized as the only religion in which God comes to man.
Eastern Orthodox - not based on law - Jesus would have come to earth anyway - other than redemption
5. Variations
Have you ever hear the song "The 12 Days Of Christmas" and wondered what that meant?
Some in the Eastern Catholic Church celebrate Christmas on January 6, which is known as Epiphany. It is supposed to be the 12th day after Christmas.
Why do they celebrate it then? It is the day believed to be the day Jesus was baptized by the Jordan River. The significance is that marked the beginning of his public ministry which ends in the salvation of all humankind.
Are you ready?
You might also be interested in:
The Origin Of Christmas
Pope Francis, "Christmas is an encounter."
Author: Albert Wagner
