CHRISTMAS; Puzzle, Mystery and Message: This is the annual commemoration of the birth of Jesus Christ, celebrated by about three billion people throughout the world. When Mary and Joseph were on their way to attend the enumeration work ordered by the Emperor, Mary suffered labor pain and they have to stay only in a Cattle Shed in Bethlehem, as they could not get room in the inn, where Jesus was born. Previously Christmas was celebrated on January 6 every year as per the Julian Calendar and in 534 A.D, the Christmas day on January 6 was declared a holiday by the Roman Government. From 1743 onwards the Christmas date was changed to December 25 as per the Gregorian Calendar, as declared by Pope Julian-1. Christmas is also called XMass where X represent the first Greek letter of the Greek word Kristos, meaning Savior or Christ. Christmas derived from Christs Mass meaning celebration of Christ. The use of Christmas Tree during Christmas was first done by Scandinavians, who worshipped trees on festival days, before becoming Christians. After conversion to Christianity, the Scandinavians introduced the tree in the celebration of Christmas. The decoration of the Christmas tree with lights was first introduced by the Prince Albert of England in the year 1841. From 1870 onwards Christmas day was declared as a National holiday in America. In Poland, there is a tradition that they observe fasting before Christmas and on Christmas day they gathered together for the feast where they used to keep a seat vacant for Jesus and they plavce sweets before that empty seat as if serving to Jesus. In Sweden there is belief that their ancestors who died earlier would visit their houses on Christmas day. It is believed that Jesus Christ was born on a Full moon day and rarely full moon falls on December 25. But Christmas day on December 25, 2015 will fall on Full moon. The first Christmas message sent through satellite was by the U.S President Eisanover. An Island discovered on Christmas day by William Minor in 1643 was named as Christmas Island. In Christendom, Christmas is a Feast of Reconciliation. It marked the beginning of our Saviors mission of reconciliation. To begin with, the Savior is born in a Stable, in the midst of animals, thus suggesting mankinds reconciliation with the animal world. A star announced His birth to the three wise men. This suggest mankinds reconciliation with elements. Finally, those three wise men, non Jews, came to do homage to the one who was born King of Jews. This one suggests the reconciliation of mankind among themselves. But the greatest act of reconciliation wrought at the first Christmas was that between God and mankind. There could be no greater restoration of harmony between God and man than that the Word i.e God became flesh i.e man; and dwelt among us. The true message is that before the New Year, let us all try to reconcile with God and everybody. Happy Christmas to you all.
Posted on: Thu, 25 Dec 2014 06:38:23 +0000
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