Christmas is a widely celebrated festival around the globe, observed annually by Christians in December to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ. The festive spirit encompasses a message of love and kindness, echoing the teachings of Jesus, who is believed to have been born in Bethlehem to Mary and Joseph.
The celebration on December 25 has become a public holiday in numerous countries, including Israel, Australia, the USA, the UK, Japan, China, Egypt, Russia, Romania, and India. The term “Christmas” is derived from the Greek script for the first letter of Jesus Christ, resembling an X in English.
The joyous occasion is marked by various customs and traditions, bringing people together to celebrate the birth of Jesus and the spirit of goodwill. Families and communities engage in festive activities, exchange gifts, decorate homes with lights and ornaments, and participate in religious services. Christmas serves as a time for reflection, gratitude, and spreading joy, emphasizing the universal values of love, peace, and compassion.
Mary gave birth to Lord Jesus on the night of December 25. Guided by an angel’s message, she and Joseph traveled to Bethlehem while she was pregnant. Facing a lack of accommodations, Mary ended up giving birth to Jesus in a place where cattle were kept. As the story goes, shepherds in the vicinity were visited by an angel of God who proclaimed the birth of a Savior, the Lord Jesus, in Bethlehem. Trusting this divine message, the shepherds hurried to witness the newborn child. Word spread and more people gathered to care for the child, recognizing Jesus as the Son of God, destined to bring welfare to humanity. Over time, it is said that the Lord Jesus laid the foundation for Christianity.Born in a humble cowshed, the tradition of commemorating Christmas includes erecting a barn-shaped figure in Christians’ homes on Christmas Eve. Various dolls, including representations of Christian, Mary, and Joseph, are displayed. Additionally, Christmas trees are adorned with lights and decorations. Families exchange cakes, rose cookies, kulkulkuls, and other snacks, and children are visited by someone dressed as Santa Claus, bearing chocolates, cookies, and gifts.As Christmas approaches, Christians come together to welcome Jesus Christ, visiting each other’s homes to sing prayers. On Christmas Day, families attend church services, participating in various religious rituals. Practices may vary from country to country and state to state, adding diversity to the celebration of Christmas around the world.
Importance of celebrating the Festival:
Christmas holds special significance for the Christian community, commemorating the day when God sent His Son to impart the values of sacrifice and humanity. The belief revolves around the notion that Jesus Christ made significant sacrifices, including His crucifixion, for the well-being of people on earth.In contemporary times, a beloved figure known as Santa Claus has become an integral part of Christmas traditions, especially in the United States and various other countries. Santa Claus is renowned for delivering gifts to children every Christmas. The narrative suggests that Santa resides in the North Pole and generously bestows gifts upon children worldwide on Christmas Eve. This enduring tradition adds a touch of joy and magic to the festive season, captivating the hearts of both the young and the old alike.
