Without a doubt, Christmas is one of the most significant festivals of the world. It has deep meanings and traditions embedded into the faith of Christians. On 25th December every year, billions of people around the globe celebrate Christmas. Basically, it’s a festival about staying merry and happy. The real meaning of Christmas is much deeper than colorful lights, decorated trees and tasty food.
Understanding this festival deeply and not just the surface is crucial. Next time you are exchanging gifts with neighbours, friends, and family, be aware about the festival. Aside from the surface festivities of Christmas, it has a rich history and cultural symbolisms. If you are interested in knowing more about this, stay tuned. Further, this blog dives deep into the real meaning of Christmas and its traditions.
The Real Meaning Of Christmas & Its Traditions
The real meaning of Christmas is to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour. The name of this holy festival is derived from old English terms “Cristes mæsse”. It means the Mass of Christ. Jesus’ birth is an important part of Christianity and this festival symbolises it. It is deeply rooted in the history of Christianity.
The religious significance of this festival cannot be denied at all. As Jesus was sent to redeem humanity and defeat all evil, it makes sense that his birthday is a special occasion. Jesus’ incarnation on Earth is a symbol of God’s love for humanity. That’s why the Son of God was born in a human form. It is often referred to as a “divine gift of love”.
Understanding The Real Meaning Of Christmas Through History
The birth of Jesus Christ is perceived by Christians in a symbolic sense. According to the New Testament, the moment he was born is when God became human. In other words, Jesus of Nazareth was a vessel and medium for Almighty God to show his divine grace. It was all a part of his plan as Jesus became a leader and teacher. He even played a significant role in the redemption of humanity. During his birth in Bethlehem, the nearby shepherds could hear the voices of angels.
Many wise men followed a star in the sky to reach Bethlehem and worship Jesus Christ who was just incarnated. They even offered various gifts with spiritual importance. For Christian believers,Jesus’ birth establishes God’s presence among humanity. The fact that Jesus came to earth as an infant baby and not a king is meaningful. There’s a name associated with him i.e., Emmanuel. It means “God with us”. Since the 4th century, 25th December is the date of Jesus Christ’s birth. Christmas is a festival that is symbolic for the Son of God’s arrival and the cultural transformation.
Cultural Roots of Christmas Festival
The four main elements associated with Christmas are light, feast (food), gifts, and greenery. These elements represent the cultural roots of this festival. According to sources, all of these elements are very similar to winter celebrations of ancient times. And, these existed long before Christianity was even established.
In Eurasia, mid-winter is symbolic of a transition period. That’s why it was celebrated in a similar way as the modern Christmas festival. Short days and darkness gave birth to many rituals and traditions deeply rooted in our culture. As a holiday, Christmas promotes a sense of community and brings hope.
Most Prominent Traditions Linked With Christmas
Many practices and traditions that take place on Christmas do not originate from the holy scriptures. These have come into existence and gained prominence over the decades. One of the biggest traditions is setting up and decorating a Chrostmas tree. You may not know this but the tradition of the Christmas tree emerged from German culture. It reflects how life continues to exist and endure during winters. The Christmas tree is symbolic of evergreen life. Decorating the tree with lights showcases how light won against darkness.
Sharing gifts with one another is also a very popular tradition of this festival. This tradition lines up perfectly with the wise men (Magi) offering gifts to baby Jesus Christ as a token of respect and worship. Christians give gifts to each other with the purpose of expressing love and care. This generosity is the main essence of Christmas. Aside from sharing gifts, you can also be generous by engaging in charity and goodwill for people you don’t know. Another way of expressing love and care on this day is sharing Christmas cards and carols.
Best Bible Verses To Recite On Christmas
| No. | Gospel | Bible Verse |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Isaiah 9:6 | “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given… And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” |
| 2. | Luke 2:11 | “Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord” |
| 3. | John 1:14 | “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth” |
| 4. | Matthew 1:23 | “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” |
| 5. | Luke 2:14 | “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests”. |
| 6. | John 3:16 | “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” |
| 7. | Matthew 1:21 | “She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins” |
| 8. | 2 Corinthians 9:15 | “Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!” |
| 9. | Micah 5:2 | “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah… out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel” |
| 10. | Galatians 4:4-5 | “But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law” |
Conclusion
If you look beyond the colourful lights, gifts, and the decorated tree, you’ll find the real meaning of Christmas. This festival is a beacon of hope, generosity, and warmth. It is hoped that this blog helped you gain clarity and a deeper understanding of Christmas. This continues to stay a very relevant festival for the Christians.
FAQs
Q: Why do we celebrate Christmas?
This festival is known for Jesus Christ’s birth and that’s what the believers celebrate.
Where does the custom of the Christmas tree originate from?
This custom is known to emerge from the culture of Germans.
What is the significance of gifting?
On Christmas, gifting reflects your generosity and expresses love.
Also, Read: What Does God Look Like? | Top 10 Bible Verses About New Beginnings
