It’s time for Jingle Bells! December is the month of joy and celebration. In every part of the nation, 25 December is celebrated as the birth of Jesus Christ. Jesus’ birth has a deeper meaning than mere celebration. It is about the cost Jesus paid on the cross.
As a believer in Jesus, I never wanted to be a mere Christian. My dream was to be a woman who is focused on Christ. How do you define Christmas? Christ’s birth is known as “Christmas Joy” by the Christian community. Christ’s birthday has a larger meaning.
The Holy Book of the Bible does not quote the exact date of Jesus’ birth, but it has been designated for celebration. As the Gospel of Mathew 1:18 states, “Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit.”
Coming to the fact: was Jesus born on 25 December? The answer is a clear NO. The holiday was started by the Roman pagan solstice. None of the Gospels mentions the date of birth of Jesus. It is factual that he was born in Bethlehem and it was winter season. The Bible is the Word of God which is based on reality, facts and truth.
The Bible does not mention Santa Claus or Halloween. They are made by pagans to brighten Christmas eve. In the 1970s book, The Story of Santa Claus, William Walsh wrote that Christians chose to use 25 December as a global holiday to remember Jesus’ birth in hopes of converting pagan cultures to Christianity. It was viewed as a compromise between opposing beliefs.
Some scholars have strongly opposed the celebration of Santa Claus on Christmas Day. Scholars argued that some part of the nation celebrates “Christmas Day” during the month of January as the Israel calendar differs from what we follow.
[Replug] On #Christmas, 6 most loved stories that need to be told again and forever: https://t.co/xA1dMJUwxQ pic.twitter.com/Ipe2iRyHI3
— Youth Ki Awaaz (@YouthKiAwaaz) December 25, 2015
As a follower of Jesus Christ, I can affirm that Christmas should be celebrated every day regardless of arguments and opposition. Celebrations should be centred around the truth of peace, embracing victory and joy. Throughout generations and generations to come, Jesus’ parables have been a source of revival.
So this December, let us celebrate a “Christ-centered Christmas”. A Christmas to impact people’s lives for restoration. A Christmas to pray for people and the nation. He is God with us – Emmanuel. This Christmas, let us celebrate the biggest gift, knowing the truth and love of God.
As I enter his season of goodness, let me encourage you. Challenges are inevitable in life but this 25 December, let us renew in his fullness of love, his peace, and his promises which are everlasting and never failing.
Shalom!