The story behind Christmas

This is a joyous season! Yes, it’s Christmas!! Hurray……!!! It’s time to decorate our house with christmas trees, balloons and lightings. It’s the time to have friends and families visiting. There are plenty of cakes and cookies to eat. But what are the origin and the real purpose for Christmas?

Historical background:

Long back, Romans celebrated a festival known as “Saturnalia” (worship of pagan god, Saturn) in the month of December. This period was considered by the people as a time of absolute relaxation and cheerfulness. It’s a time of absolute freedom, when the courts were closed. None were punished for damaging property or injuring people during the week long celebration. All the schools were closed and there were no business transactions. The festival began by selecting an innocent victim whom they forced to indulge in eating and other physical pleasures. At the end of festival on 25th December, they murdered the innocent victim with a belief that they destroyed the forces of darkness.

This festival, “Saturnalia”, was becoming very popular among the pagans. Christianity was also spreading at that time. The Christians were alarmed by the continuing celebration of this pagan custom. Hence to tame this pagan celebration, the church was successful to bring this pagan celebration characterized by idolatry, revelry, debauchery and drunkenness into a meaningful festival of joyous Christmas. In 350 AD, Pope Julius 1 declared that the birth of Christ would be celebrated on 25th December. This declaration made it easier for the pagans to leave their sinful celebration and to celebrate Christmas in a good manner and to accept Christianity.

The Origins of Christmas Customs

Santa Claus (‘Father Christmas’)

St. Nicholas, popularly known as Santa Claus, probably lived between 250 AD and 350 AD in Myra (current -Turkey). He became the bishop of the Church of Myra. Though only limited information is available on him, he was generously giving gifts to children during autumn season. He was a shy person and wished to give money to poor people without them knowing about it. It is believed that one day, he climbed the roof of a house and dropped a purse of money down the chimney. It landed in the stocking which a girl had put to dry by the fire! This may explain the belief that Father Christmas comes down the chimney and places gifts in children's stockings. He gave away all of his inherited wealth and traveled the countryside helping the poor and sick.

Christmas Trees

"Do not learn the ways of the nations or be terrified by signs in the sky, though the nations are terrified by them. For the customs of the peoples are worthless; they cut a tree out of the forest, and a craftsman shapes it with his chisel. They adorn it with silver and gold; they fasten it with hammer and nails so it will not totter.” - Jer.10: 1-4
People from Asheira cult worshipped trees in the forest, or brought them into their homes and decorated them. Jeremiah 10 can be applied, if those who set up a Christmas tree fall down and worship it as a god, complete with altars and incense stands. Or if someone loves their Christmas tree more than God, then it can be a spiritual idolatry. But apart from these exceptions, it is clear that Christians who erect Christmas trees are NOT worshiping them as gods, nor do they love them more than their Savior Jesus Christ. They are simply using the Christmas tree as a fun custom, one that can remind them of Jesus who is the branch of David (Jeremiah 23:5; 33:15), the root of Jesse (Isaiah 11:1). One that can remind them of the tree that led Adam and Eve to sin, but more importantly, the tree on which Christ Jesus died to make atonement for the sins of the whole world (Acts 5:30; Gal. 3:13; 1 Peter 2:24).

Essence of Christmas

The true origin of Christmas is packed with controversies and compromise. In short, the Christmas holiday we celebrate today is indicative of Christianity's willingness to absorb the world's customs and traditions. Christmas is a wonderful reminder of Christ's humble beginning as a human child in this world. His birth set the stage for the power, glory, and salvation that would be revealed in His life, death, and resurrection! Whether it's December 25th or any other day of the year, we should use each and every opportunity to reflect on Jesus Christ and His message of hope for all of us.

Practical ways

“And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks.” – Luke 2: 8.

The shepherds were living in the field. They were probably, living away from their home. Perhaps they didn’t have one. They did not know it was Christmas time. There might be some one in a similar situation just 10 miles away from you, who do not know about Christ. This is the best time show them Christ’s love. Even a small gift or a tiny lunch pack or a visit will bring more joy to their hearts during this season.

“An angel of the lord appeared to them……..and said to them ‘Do not be afraid. Today in the town of David, a Saviour has been born to you; He is Christ the Lord.” - Luke 2: 8-12.

God can use you as an angel to proclaim the good news to them. Let’s make a difference this Christmas; Let’s join our hands with millions of homeless people, destitutes, orphans, poor and the needy around the world to celebrate this Christmas!

We wish you a Merry & a Meaningful Christmas!

References:
1. www.allaboutjesuschrist.org
2. Pastor Richard Bucher