The English word for Christmas - "Christmas" consists of a combination of two words: "Christ" (Christ) and "Mass" (Catholic mass). This term appeared in 1038 AD.
I. THE LANGUAGE ROOTS OF CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS
1. The number December 25 (January 7, old style)
The Britannica Encyclopedia states: “One of the most popular winter festivals was the Saturnalia festival, celebrated from December 17th to 24th. Since this was a time of fun and violent orgy, no one worked, all schools and courts were closed. People indulged in overeating, dancing, gambling and everything that people usually amuse themselves with during festivals and holidays. December 25 was a special day - the birthday of the Iranian god of sun and light - Mithra. The Church proclaimed this day Christmas in order to oppose the pagan traditions of the winter festival”(Volume 7, page 202).
In 354 AD, the Roman Bishop Liberius wrote a decree to celebrate Christmas on December 25th. He was guided by the desire to turn the pagan festival into a Christian holiday.
From that moment on, Jesus' birthday began to be celebrated as the day of "Light to the World."
2. Christmas tree
Promotional video:
The book of the prophet Jeremiah describes a pagan tradition, reminiscent of the tradition of decorating the Christmas tree: Jeremiah 10: 2-4 “Thus says the Lord: do not learn the ways of the Gentiles and do not fear the signs of heaven, which the Gentiles fear. For the rules of the nations are emptiness: they cut down a tree in the forest, trim it with the hands of a carpenter with an ax, cover it with silver and gold, attach it with nails and a hammer so that it does not stagger."
The pagan peoples had a custom to worship the evergreen tree as a symbol of eternal life and fertility. The modern tradition of decorating a Christmas (or New Year's) tree has its roots in the Babylonian tradition of worshiping the evergreen tree.
3. Gift exchange
According to the Bible, the wise men from the East brought gifts to Christ. However, it should be noted that these gifts were presented because the wise men recognized in Jesus Christ the King of Israel: Matthew 2: 1-2 “When Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of King Herod, the wise men from the east came to Jerusalem and said: where is he who was born King of the Jews?"
According to Eastern tradition, no one could approach the king without a gift. Thus, the gifts that the baby Jesus received were not related to the fact of His birth, but to the fact of recognition of Him as king.
Many traditions of celebrating modern Christmas are rooted in paganism: the tree, the exchange of gifts, and the date of Christmas itself. In the fourth century, the Catholic Church replaced the pagan winter festival with the celebration of Christ's birthday. But this did not abolish the pagan traditions, but simply mixed the new traditions with the old ones. That is why it is so important to remember that Christmas is not just an occasion for a feast, but the birthday of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
II. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT CHRISTMAS
1. When was Jesus Christ born?
The birthday question of Jesus Christ is one of the frequently asked questions about Christmas. Is it possible to accurately determine the year, month and day on which the Savior of the world was born?
A. Year: between 7-4 years BC.
The Bible does not indicate the exact date of birth of Jesus Christ. However, Scripture informs about the fact of Christ's birth, about the place of His birth, as well as about the nature and circumstances of His birth (Heb. From Matthew 1 st and 2 nd chapters, Heb. From Luke 2 nd chapter). For example, the Bible tells us that Jesus was born during the reign of Herod the Great (Matthew 2: 1). Historical documents show that King Herod died in the 4th year BC. Therefore, Jesus had to be born before the 4th year of our era.
Also, the Bible speaks about the census of the population, which took place in Israel in the days of the birth of Jesus Christ. By law, each person had to return to the city of their ancestors for the census. That's why Joseph and Mary ended up in Bethlehem, and that's why Jesus was born in this city (Heb. Luke 2: 1-7).
According to Scripture, the census referred to in the Bible was carried out "during the reign of Quirinius in Syria." Based on historical records of the time of this census, it can be assumed that Jesus was born in the 5th or 6th year BC.
It is believed that with the birth of Jesus Christ a new era began, which is called "our era." How did it happen that Jesus was actually born a few years before our era? The fact is that the calendar was an invention of the Roman monk Dionysius in 526 AD. A year after the introduction of the calendar, it was discovered that it contains an error of several years. But it was too late to correct this mistake.
B. Month: (spring or autumn).
Most theologians believe that Jesus was born either in the spring (March) or in the fall (September), but not in December or January. Here's why: According to the Scriptures, the shepherds stayed in the fields all night: “In that country there were shepherds in the field who kept watch over their flock at night” (Heb. Luke 2: 8).
It was to them that the Angel appeared with the joyful news of the birth of the Savior: “Suddenly the Angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone on them; and were afraid of great fear. And the angel said to them: Do not be afraid; I proclaim to you the great joy that will be to all people: for this day a Savior was born to you in the city of David, who is Christ the Lord; and here is a sign for you: you will find a baby in swaddling clothes lying in a manger”(Heb. from Luke 2: 9-12).
December is one of the coolest months in Israel. In December, shepherds do not leave their flocks in the fields all night. This is why the birth of Jesus Christ could not have happened in December.
2. Was Jesus born in an animal stable?
Today, many are well aware of the story of the birth of Jesus Christ. Mary and Joseph came from Nazareth to Bethlehem, where there was no room for them in the hotel. Therefore, Mary had to give birth in a barn with animals, after which Jesus was swaddled and placed in a manger (cattle feeder).
The story of Jesus' birth is detailed in the second chapter of the Gospel of Luke. The Greek word "hotel" ("kataluma") does not mean hotel in our modern sense. This word has several meanings. One of them is a large, lined chamber, like the one in which Jesus' last supper with His disciples took place.
It is safe to assume that the hotel in Bethlehem, which is discussed in the Gospel, is nothing more than the upper dwelling - a living room located on the second floor of the house. Mary and Joseph arrived in Bethlehem when Mary was about to give birth. The house in question is Joseph's stepfather. In connection with the census, the house was probably overcrowded with relatives who arrived for the census. For this reason, there was no room for a pregnant woman in the "upper housing". First, the place was occupied by relatives who were older in age and status. And secondly, according to Jewish law, a woman who gave birth was considered unclean and had to be cleansed within forty days. Perhaps, in order to avoid desecration of the rest of Joseph's relatives, Mary was advised to give birth elsewhere.
Where do you think Joseph and the pregnant Mary went? A barn or a cave? Not at all! In the Bible, neither a barn nor a cave is mentioned anywhere … All that is mentioned is the manger in which the baby Jesus was placed. That is why many have assumed that Mary gave birth in a barn with animals. However, Mary could find the manger not only in the barn, but in the same house, only on the first floor - in the so-called "lower housing", where people often kept animals.
It was customary for the Jews to have a small number of livestock in the house, which often lived on the ground floor. There were also stored food supplies, feed for livestock and tools. Often there was a kitchen and even a dining room on the ground floor. Family bedrooms have always been located on the second floor, called the upper dwelling (hotel).
While in the house, the animals were protected from thieves. In addition, they kept the temperature in the house on cold nights with the warmth of their bodies, and also gave the owners access to fresh milk and dung for fuel.
During excavations in Israel, many ancient dwellings were found, equipped with stone feeders for livestock, called manger.
Most likely, the following happened on Christmas night: Since there was no room for the pregnant Maria on the second floor of the house, she had to give birth on the first floor of this house, where pets usually spent the night. There they were found by the shepherds after receiving the joyful news from the angel: Luke 2: 15-16 “When the Angels departed from them into heaven, the shepherds said to each other: let's go to Bethlehem and see what happened there, as the Lord announced to us. And, hurrying, they came and found Mary and Joseph, and the Child lying in a manger."
3. What was this mysterious Star of Bethlehem?
We read about the Star of Bethlehem in the Gospel of Matthew 2: 1-9.
There have been many attempts to answer the question of what kind of mysterious Star of Bethlehem that brought the Magi from the East to Israel. We will tell you about three versions:
A. Some theologians believe that a comet is called a "star" because in antiquity comets were signs of historical events, such as the birth of kings. However, there is not a single record of comets, the appearance of which would coincide with the time of Jesus' birth. So, for example, the record of the comet Helley was made in 11 BC. e., and Christ was born in the period from 7 to 5 BC. e.
B. Other theologians believe that the Star of Bethlehem is a specific arrangement of planets in the solar system. Since each planet revolves around the sun at its own speed, in certain years they can approach or line up in one line. John Kepler (1571-1630) held precisely this view on the question of the Star of Bethlehem.
However, the union of planets does not look like one, even a large, star. In addition, this or that arrangement of the planets was not considered something incredible, since it was repeated after a certain period of time. Moreover, the convergence of Saturn and Jupiter, noted in the 6th year BC. was not as close than the convergence of the same planets in 66 BC.
C. A third group of theologians is convinced that the Gospel of Luke is about an exploding star (supernova). Some stars are unstable and explode with bright light. However, there is no record of a supernova explosion that coincides with the time of Jesus' birth.
Thus, it turns out that none of the three theories stands the test: none of them answers to the predicted in Numbers 24:17 "A star rises from Jacob and a rod rises from Israel, and smites the princes of Moab and crushes all the sons of Seth" and described in the Gospel of Matthew 2: 1-12 “When Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of King Herod, magicians from the east came to Jerusalem and said: where is he who was born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east and have come to worship him. Hearing this, Herod the king was alarmed, and all Jerusalem with him. And, having gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he asked them: where should Christ be born? They said to him: In Bethlehem of Judea, for this is written through the prophet: you, Bethlehem, the land of Judah, are no less than the voivodships of Judah, for out of you will come a Leader who will guard my people, Israel. Then Herod, secretly summoning the Magi, found out from them the time of the appearance of the star and, sending them to Bethlehem, said: Go, scout out carefully about the Baby, and when you find it, notify me so that I can go and worship Him. After listening to the king, they went. And lo, the star that they saw in the east walked in front of them, when at last it came and stopped over the place where the Child was. Seeing the star, they rejoiced with very great joy, and entering the house, they saw the Child with Mary, His Mother, and, falling down, worshiped Him; and opening their treasures, they brought him gifts: gold, incense and myrrh. And, having received in a dream the revelation not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country in a different way. "so that I can go and worship Him. After listening to the king, they went. And lo, the star that they saw in the east walked in front of them, when at last it came and stopped over the place where the Child was. Seeing the star, they rejoiced with very great joy, and entering the house, they saw the Infant with Mary, His Mother, and, falling down, worshiped Him; and opening their treasures, they brought him gifts: gold, incense and myrrh. And, having received in a dream the revelation not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country in a different way. "so that I can go and worship Him. After listening to the king, they went. And lo, the star that they saw in the east walked in front of them, when at last it came and stopped over the place where the Child was. Seeing the star, they rejoiced with very great joy, and entering the house, they saw the Infant with Mary, His Mother, and, falling down, worshiped Him; and opening their treasures, they brought him gifts: gold, incense and myrrh. And, having received in a dream the revelation not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country in a different way. "incense and myrrh. And, having received in a dream the revelation not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country in a different way. "incense and myrrh. And, having received in a dream the revelation not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country in a different way."
Pay special attention to the following three details:
The conclusion suggests itself that the Star of Bethlehem is nothing more than a supernatural phenomenon. We must not forget that the birth of Christ is itself a miracle. The appearance of an angel and a choir of angels to the shepherds was also unusual. In addition, the Bible contains several examples of how heavenly phenomena (signs) led the people of God:
- The glory of God filled the tabernacle of the congregation: Exodus 40: 34-38 “And a cloud covered the tabernacle of the congregation, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle; and Moses could not enter the tabernacle of the meeting, because a cloud overshadowed it, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle. When the cloud rose from the tabernacle, then the children of Israel set out on their journey throughout their journey; and if the cloud did not rise, then they did not set out on their way until it rose, for the cloud of the Lord stood over the tabernacle by day, and fire was in it at night before the eyes of all the house of Israel throughout their journey”and
- The sanctuary in the temple: 1 Kings 8:10 "When the priests left the sanctuary, a cloud filled the house of the Lord."
- Light from heaven shone on the Apostle Paul: Acts 9: 3 "As he walked and approached Damascus, suddenly a light from heaven shone on him."
Signs like these were evidence and manifestations of God's presence and His power. The Star of Bethlehem, in our opinion, was one of these Biblical signs. However, it must be remembered that the center of Christmas night was not the star or the choir of angels, but the baby Jesus - God descended to earth in flesh.
Some ask the question: "Why did the Magi from the East have such an honor to follow the star to the newborn Messiah?" We do not know this, but we know that today the invitation to Christ extends to every person in the world.
III. COMMON CHRISTMAS MISTAKES
1. How many wise men visited Jesus?
Many believe that three wise men came to Jesus from the East. It is known from the Bible that the wise men from the East brought Jesus as gifts of gold, incense and myrrh. However, nowhere in the Bible does it say that there were three wise men. There could be two, and there could be 20. It is only known that there were three gifts. It is possible that each of the Magi gave Jesus both gold and incense and myrrh.
2. Who visited baby Jesus on Christmas Eve?
Many believe that on Christmas night the infant Christ was visited by both shepherds and wise men from the East. However, this is a common misconception. On the night of Christmas only shepherds come to Mary and Joseph, what tells the Gospel of Luke 2: 8-10.
The Magi visited Jesus a little later, when He was from 40 days to 2 years old. The following facts explain why:
- For the first time the Magi saw the Star of Bethlehem on the night of the birth of Christ. To get to Jerusalem, and then to Bethlehem, it took them at least 25-30 days.
- On the 8th day, Jesus was circumcised according to Jewish law (Luke 2:21).
- It took Mary forty days to cleanse herself after giving birth (Heb. Luke 2:22).
- After interrogating the Magi, King Herod ordered to kill all male babies under the age of 2 years in Bethlehem (Heb. Matthew 2: 7,16).
- Jesus is taken to Egypt immediately after the visit of the Magi (Matthew 2:13).
IV. HOW DO WE FEEL ABOUT CHRISTMAS?
1. How did the early Christians view Christmas?
They did not celebrate Christmas. They celebrated the Resurrection of Christ.
This holiday was not left to us by the Apostles and the first Christians in general: nowhere in the Bible is the date of Christ's birth or the date of the celebration of Christmas indicated. If Christmas were a church holiday, then somewhere in the New Testament there would be a reference to this holiday.
The attitude of God can be inferred from the verse from Ecclesiastes 7: 1 "A good name is better than a dear suit, and the day of death is a birthday." Is it not directly written which event in human life is of greater importance for God? The day of death, but not because the world finally got rid of this person. But only on the day of death can one say with certainty whether that person was faithful to God to the end.
2. How do you and I feel about Christmas?
Today some Christian and neo-Christian (near-Christian) organizations strongly oppose the celebration of Christmas. (Why?) However, we believe that there is nothing wrong with celebrating Christmas if the focus of our attention is on the Lord God and His priceless gift of salvation, given to us through the person of Jesus Christ, in which He was revealed to mankind at the end of time.
For Christians, Christmas is a great opportunity and occasion to testify of Jesus Christ and the salvation given to humanity through faith in Him. And for the unbelieving part of the world's population, this holiday is an annual reminder of Jesus Christ - God in the flesh.
What matters is how we celebrate Christmas. As we celebrate Christmas, we must remember that:
- Jesus was born a virgin (virgin), as predicted 700 years before His birth: Matthew 1:23; Isaiah 9: 6).
- Jesus became the sinless perfect sacrifice for the sins of the whole world: Hebrews 4:15; Matthew 26:28.
- Jesus was not just a man, but God in the flesh, which He proved not only by His miraculous birth, but also by many miracles (John 20:30, 31).
- Real Christmas is celebrated only by those who have recognized Jesus Christ as their God and Savior and are reconciled to Heavenly Father through His sacrifice on the cross. In other words, real Christmas is the birth of Jesus Christ in the heart of a repentant person.
V. THE CHRISTMAS OF CHRIST ACCORDING TO THE BIBLE
What was Christmas like in reality? Below are the biblical details of Christmas with links:
Christmas hides in itself many mysteries, of which the greatest is the mystery of the coming of God into the world in the image of a common man: “And unquestioningly is the great mystery of piety: God appeared in the flesh, justified Himself in the Spirit, showed Himself to the Angels, preached among the nations, accepted by faith in the world, ascended in glory”(1 Timothy 3:16).
