All over the world, Christmas is one of the most famous and well loved religious celebrations.
Majority of the people who celebrate the yuletide season actually consider it the most highly anticipated holiday. You might just be one of the people who really love Christmas but do you know how it all started? Are you well aware of the history of Christmas?
Christmas is celebrated to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ whom Christians regard to as the savior and redeemer of sins. Although the exact date of Jesus Christ’s birth is not known to mankind, every year, it is celebrated on December 25. This belief unites the Christian and Pagan traditions which have so many similarities. Up until now, there are Catholic beliefs that are influenced by the Christian and Pagan traditions.
Today, there are modern traditions that are not really indicated in the history of Christmas. Some of these things are the Christmas tree, gift giving, holly, Santa Claus, Christmas Eve and even the Nativity Scene.
Winter Celebration
If you will trace the history of Christmas, it will bring you back to winter solstice celebration. This is also a Pagan tradition that was abandoned in 1200 AD. Merrymaking and gratification characterize the winter celebration of the Pagans. Later on, Jesus Christ was born which marked the real history of Christmas.
History of Christmas as written in the Holy Book
Based on Biblical accounts, it was said that the history of Christmas started when Mary and Joseph came to the land of Bethlehem but no one was able to provide them a decent place to stay for the night. They found a stable and with animals surrounding the place, Mary gave birth to Baby Jesus Christ. No one knows about this until an angel appeared to the shepherds and told them that the King of Kings was born in the stable. The shepherds who were staying out in the fields over the night were the first people to see Baby Jesus Christ lying on the manger. At a distant place, the Star of Bethlehem was seen by the three wise men that followed it until they reached Jesus Christ. The three wise men offered their gifts – gold, myrrh and frankincense.
This is how Christmas started and the date of the celebration was decided upon by the Romans.
Although, Jesus’ date of birth is not certain, the truth is that He was born and His existence is enough reason to celebrate. Jesus’ message is clear and through the history of Christmas, He wants the people to remember what He is trying to say.
The real meaning of Christmas depends on the person’s beliefs and philosophy in life. There is no standard way of celebrating the holiday. It would be your decision how you want to spend the time and who you will spend it with. You just have to know about the history of Christmas. It is just important that you are aware of how it started for you to know that once in a gloomy night, a child was born in a manger to save you from the sins of the world.