Christmas is one of the most world's most celebrated holidays, but is its origin Christian or secular?
Actually, Christmas as most Americans celebrate it, is a milieu of pagan and Christian traditions from cultures around the world. The History Channel has a good four-minute video tracing the origin and development.
Western Christmas, by definition and practice, is overwhelmingly about the birth of the Messiah, promised by God to redeem mankind from their sins and to re-establish their relationship with God that was disturbed by the original sin the Garden of Eden. Christmas is the time where we celebrate the coming of the Son of God in Human flesh to redeem mankind from sin. But the man's relationship with God could not completely be restored until the sacrificial death and resurrection of Christ, which is celebrated at Easter time.
Handel's Messiah, originally performed at Easter, has become a Christmas tradition. I always enjoy listening to the music, but even more so, contemplating the Scripture verses that make up the lyrics telling of the prophecy of the Christ and his birth.
Have a Joyous Christmas!
And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see together; for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it. (Isaiah 40:5)
Behold, a virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call his name Emmanuel, GOD WITH US. (Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:23)
The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light; and they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined. (Isaiah 9:2)
For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given, and the government shall be upon His shoulder; and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, and the Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6)
There were shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flocks by night. And lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them, and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them: Fear not, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And suddenly there was with the angel, a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God, and saying: Glory to God in the highest, and peace on earth, good will towards men. (Luke 2:8-11, 13-14)
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