The Xmas or Christmas Day celebrations mark the birth of Jesus Christ, the son of God. Earlier in the 3rd century, the date of birth of Christ was subject to uncertainty but according to early Roman history, the birth of Jesus Christ was first attributed in the 4th century on December 25th, wherein the celebrations of Christmas was derived from Roman and other European festivals which marked the end of harvest season and winter solstice. Many people cherished winter solstice as worst wintery days were behind them and they could look forward to bright sunny days with extended hours of sunshine.
Origin of Christmas
Observed as religious and cultural annual celebrations, Christmas is celebrated in the commemoration of the birth of Jesus Christ, the son of God. Derived from the Middle English Cristemasse, ‘Christmas’ is a shortened version of ‘Christ’s mass’. The festival also known as Xmas, Yule, Nativity and Noel is celebrated by decorating Christmas tree, exchanging gifts/cards, attending church, sharing special meals with family and friends and, of course, eagerly waiting for the arrival Santa. Because what’s a Christmas without Santa, gifts and jingling bells?
The Birth of Jesus Christ
According to the canonical gospels of Luke and Matthew, Jesus Christ was born in Bethlehem to Mary, a virgin mother. Mary was a young Jewish girl who lived in a small town known as Nazareth. She was not married but she was going to be real soon to a man called Joseph. One night an angel of the Lords Gabriel appeared to Mary to inform her that soon she’ll have a son called Jesus. He will be great and known as the ‘Son of God’. Being an obedient devotee of God, Mary said “I am the handmade of the Lord.
May God do with me as he wants to”. After a few months when the virgin mother was about to deliver a baby, the soldiers of Roman emperors paid a visit in Nazareth to announce a new law with respect to taxes. In order to pay the taxes, both Mary and Joseph headed to Bethlehem and unfortunately, by the time they reached all the inns were already occupied. The labor pain was nearing and all Joseph could find was unsuccessful attempts in finding an accommodation for Mary. That night God’s son was born and guess the place where he took birth? Neither a castle nor a palace; rather he was born in a humble stable and first laid in a manger full of fresh hay.
