In the Bible, the term "Christmas"
In the Bible, the term "Christmas" is not explicitly mentioned since it refers to the celebration of Jesus Christ's birth, which occurred after the events recorded in the Bible. However, the birth of Jesus is described in the New Testament, particularly in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke. These accounts provide us with a foundation for understanding the significance of Christmas.
According to the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus was born in Bethlehem during the reign of King Herod. The story goes that wise men from the East arrived in Jerusalem, asking about the newborn King of the Jews, as they had seen his star and wanted to worship him. King Herod, feeling threatened by this news, asked the wise men to find the child and report back to him. Guided by the star, the wise men found Jesus, presented him with gifts, and worshiped him. However, having been warned by God in a dream, they did not return to Herod but went back to their own country by a different route.
The Gospel of Luke provides a more detailed account of the birth of Jesus. It describes how Mary and Joseph, who were engaged to be married, traveled to Bethlehem in response to a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. Since Joseph was of the house and lineage of David, he had to go to Bethlehem, the city of David. While they were there, Mary gave birth to her firstborn son, wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger because there was no room for them in the inn.
Meanwhile, in the fields nearby, shepherds were tending their flocks. Suddenly, an angel appeared to them, bringing them good news of great joy: "Today in the town of David, a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord." The shepherds then hurried to Bethlehem, found Mary and Joseph, and saw the baby lying in the manger, just as the angel had told them. Overjoyed, they spread the word about what they had seen and heard, and all who heard it were amazed.
The birth of Jesus, as depicted in these biblical accounts, forms the basis for the celebration of Christmas. Christians around the world commemorate this event on December 25th each year. The date itself is not mentioned in the Bible, and its selection was influenced by various factors, including the desire to align the celebration with pre-existing pagan festivals. Nevertheless, the essence of Christmas lies in the recognition and celebration of the birth of Jesus, who is considered by Christians to be the Son of God and the Savior of humanity.
The Christmas story serves as a reminder of God's love for humanity and his plan for salvation. It is a time of joy, peace, and hope, symbolized by the exchange of gifts, the lighting of candles, and the gathering of loved ones. For Christians, Christmas represents the fulfillment of ancient prophecies and the beginning of a new era marked by the presence of Jesus Christ on Earth.
While the Bible does not provide a detailed description of every aspect of the Christmas celebration as we know it today, it provides the foundation and inspiration for believers to observe this significant event. The biblical accounts of Jesus' birth invite us to reflect on the profound meaning of his coming into the world and to embrace the message of love, forgiveness, and redemption
