Understanding the Nativity: The Heart of Christmas Tradition
The story behind Christmas is rooted in Christian tradition and celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ. According to the Christian faith, the story is as follows:
-
The Birth of Jesus: Christmas is celebrated to honour the birth of Jesus Christ, whom Christians believe to be the son of God. The exact date of Jesus' birth is unknown, but the Roman Catholic Church chose December 25th in the 4th century as the day to celebrate the event.
-
The Nativity: The story of Jesus' birth, known as the Nativity, is told in the New Testament of the Bible, particularly in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke. Mary, a young virgin, was visited by an angel who told her that she would conceive a son by the Holy Spirit and that he would be called Jesus, meaning 'Savior'.
-
Joseph and Mary: Mary was betrothed to Joseph, a carpenter. When the Roman Emperor Augustus decreed that a census should be taken throughout the Roman Empire, Joseph and Mary travelled from Nazareth to Bethlehem, Joseph's ancestral home, to register.
-
Jesus' Birth in Bethlehem: Because of the census, the city was crowded, and no room was available at the inns. As a result, Jesus was born in a stable or a cave where animals were kept. He was laid in a manger (a feeding trough for animals) because there was no crib.
-
The Shepherds: On the night of Jesus' birth, angels appeared to shepherds in nearby fields, announcing the birth of the Savior. The shepherds went to Bethlehem and found Jesus in the manger, just as the angel had said.
-
The Wise Men (Magi): The story also tells of Wise Men, or Magi, who followed a star that led them to Jesus. They brought gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. This visit is celebrated as Epiphany on January 6th and is often included in the broader Christmas celebration.
-
Significance: For Christians, the birth of Jesus represents the coming of the Messiah, as prophesied in the Old Testament. Christmas is a time for celebrating the message of peace, love, and hope that Jesus' birth brings.
Over time, Christmas has also become a cultural and secular holiday, celebrated by many people around the world regardless of religious belief. Traditions include exchanging gifts, decorating Christmas trees, sharing meals with family and friends, and, of course, waiting for Santa Claus (a figure inspired in part by St. Nicholas, a Christian bishop known for his generosity) to deliver presents.