Christmas

Christmas is the most important festival of the Christians. Christmas is a celebration of Jesus Christ's birth. Christ was the founder of Christianity. It is believed that he was sent to this world to save mankind. It is celebrated on the 25th December every year with great pomp and show. But it would be wrong to assume that it is only celebrated among the Christians. With the world becoming a global village, Christmas is now celebrated in many countries around the world. In India Christmas is celebrated not only by Christians but by people of other religions as well. The festival of Christmas celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ and conveys his message of love, tolerance and brotherhood. It's a celebration of humanity and mankind. The true meaning of Christmas is love. Bible says, "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. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him." The true meaning of Christmas is the celebration of this incredible act of love. The Christmas story goes on like this. In that night Mary and Joseph were looking for a place where to spend the night but because at that time in Bethlehem was a holiday all the inns were filled and they searched a lot for a room but nobody wanted to give them a warm place. A good family was willing to give them the stable for the night because they do not have any rooms left for them. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to Jesus Christ. She wrapped the baby in cloths and placed him in a manger. At the same time, in Jerusalem the three wise men (Magi) saw the star that was showing the place of birth of Jesus Christ. When they saw the star they have gone towards it with many gifts of gold, myrrh and frankincense to the infant because they were wealthy people of that time. And there were shepherds living out in the fields near by, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel appeared to them and told of the birth of an angel and they were the first to see the child. This is a short story of Christmas to remember what we are really celebrating and that is the birth of Jesus Christ the Son of God and the Savior of our souls. The first mention of 25th December as the birth date of Jesus occurred in 336 A.D. Christmas is celebrated with high spirits in various parts of the world. Though the mode of celebration, the dates and the traditions vary, the spirit remains the same everywhere. For Indian Christians, especially the Catholics, the Midnight mass on Christmas Eve is a very important service and holds great religious significance. Every year, on the night of 24th December, all members in Christian families visit their local churches to attend the Midnight mass. Thereupon, presents are given to one another and "Merry Christmas" is wished. All houses and churches are cleaned and white washed. The walls are decorated with paper flowers, pictures, looking glasses and the wall buntings. All the Christians rich or poor, young or old take part in it. By mid-December, most homes will also be decorated with Christmas trees, coloured lights and paper or plastic decorations around the rooms. People decorate their houses, erect Christmas trees with branches hung with gifts and decorations, make cribs with figures of baby Jesus Mother Mary, Joseph, the three kings who come to visit the baby and shepherd boys and their herds grazing around depicting the scenes of Jesus Birth in the Bible. During the time of Christmas, most of the houses will be well decorated with lights. Even if all the houses are not decorated with lights, there will at least be a star lit with light hung in the front or at the top of the house. The most important part of the festival is the planting of the Christmas tree. A large branch of the tree is cut down. It is planted in one corner of the house. Then this branch is decorated with little toys such as dolls, birds, flowers etc. At night candles and electric bulbs are lighted on its twigs. The Christmas tree looks very bright and beautiful. Then in the night all the children of the house are called in. All sing songs and offer prayer to God who sent his Son, Christ to earth to remove all sins and sufferings. After the prayer all the members of the house and guests are given Christmas presents. Christmas cards, pictures, books and sweets are sent to friends and realties. Delicious dishes are served before all. Christmas is a time to share the joys of being together. People staying in different cities for job or higher studies rush back to their homes to celebrate Christmas with their near and dear ones. Santa Clause is the most important person in the celebration of Christmas. Nicholas was a Christian leader from Myra (in modern-day Turkey) in the 4th century AD noted for his generosity and love for children. 'Father Christmas' (or 'Santa Claus') has become the human face of Christmas. Pictures will be seen everywhere of the old man with long white beard, red coat, and bag of toys. Children are taught that he brings them presents the night before Christmas and many children up to the age of 7 or 8 really believe this is true. In most countries, it is said that he lives near the North Pole, and arrives through the sky on a sledge (snow-cart) pulled by reindeer. He comes into houses down the chimney at midnight and places presents for the children in socks or bags by their beds or in front of the family Christmas tree. Nicholas was very shy, and wanted to give money to poor people without them knowing about it. It is said 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. Nativity plays are staged in many schools (mainly the Christian ones) and churches on Christmas morning. The performances by young children depict the birth, life and actions of Jesus Christ and usually end with the singing of hymns and carols and the visit of a person dressed as Santa to distribute candies/toffees to kids. In the metros a smiling Santa Claus, entertaining children at departmental stores with toys and gifts, is not an uncommon sight. Caroling processions on streets and thoroughfares can also be seen on 24th night. From November onwards, it is impossible to forget that Christmas is coming. Coloured lights decorate many town centres and shops, along with shiny decorations, and artificial snow painted on shop windows. In streets and shops, 'Christmas trees' (real or plastic evergreen 'conifer' trees) will also be decorated with lights and Christmas ornaments. In many countries, most people post Christmas greeting cards to their friends and family, and these cards will be hung on the walls of their homes. Christmas can be a time of magic and excitement for children. Carols, songs and dramas make these celebrations even more joyful. Jesus Christ was not born in a grand palace. He was not born to very wealthy or learned parents. Also He was not born in the full blaze of daylight with the knowledge of all men. Jesus Christ was born in a simple lowly place, a corner of a stable. He was born to humble and poor parents, who had nothing to boast about, except their own spotless character and holiness. Also He was born in the darkness in the obscure hour of midnight, when no one even knew about it, except a few divinely blessed people. The above point of deep significance tells you that the spiritual awakening comes to the seeker, who is perfectly humble and meek and poor in spirit. Today, the real meaning of Christmas is often forgotten. It has become a non-religious holiday! More children believe in Santa Claus than in Jesus. Christmas Day is a time for eating and drinking too much and watching television. Christmas has become too commercialized. Many people seem to think that Christmas is all about buying and giving gifts to people. We need to remember that the real true meaning of Christmas is that we celebrate The Birth of Jesus Christ. We should take an effort to keep Christ in Christmas. So many things come to dilute, replace, and expunge Jesus Christ from our Christmas holiday. We need to reach down within ourselves to find the spirit of Christmas. In order to embrace the true Christmas spirit we must be willing to give. Do not think of the gifts we give to others as an obligation or duty, but think of it as a symbol of our love for them. The true meaning of Christmas cannot be found in Christmas Trees, Christmas Lights, or even Christmas Presents. The meaning of Christmas is what we make it. Using the time to be with each other, making Christ the centre of our Christmas celebrations and to give attention instead of presents is more important. We should be more giving in this period of the year and help others that need us and throw away the bad feelings. The best things of Christmas are not found in a box, they are found in the heart. Jesus was born in a stable because there was no room for Him at the inn. Today it seems like our family still has no room for Jesus in our home. It's so sad. Christmas has not lost its meaning, we have lost it. The meaning is still there for those who seek it. Today Jesus is stuck in four walls of our churches, but His heart is on the streets, ever with the poor and needy, hungry and dying, and with the lost souls who are heading right into the eternal destruction. God is Love. Christmas is all about love. Love is the key to peace among all mankind. This Xmas, may Christ come to us with Christ-like love in our hearts and Christs Spirit in our homes. .