Celebrating Christmas with family and friends is a great time of the year, but do we know how all this started? This observance of the holiday?
We’re pretty sure Jesus wasn’t born on December 25th. There are clues in scripture that put the date more in the springtime.
In ancient times, the winter solstice occurred on December 25th. Sometime early in the 4th century, the church fathers set the date as the one we now celebrate.
Even factoring in the diverse cultures around the world, Christmas is celebrated on every continent close to the same time for everyone. It’s pretty much agreed that our present day celebrations have their origins in pre-Christian, Christian and secular festivals, and there’s some debate about what is and isn’t appropriate.
However, for the believing Christian, the season is truly all about the birth of our Savior. No matter where you live or how you choose to celebrate, the scarlet thread of Christ’s birth and sacrifice that runs through scripture is the tie that binds.
Let’s pray.
Lord, it has been said that we can keep Christmas in our hearts. We thank you for sending your Son as the ultimate gift to mankind. In Jesus’ name, amen.
