All About Christmas
Christmas is the date set aside for the celebration of
the birth of Jesus Christ. Christians celebrate it on December 25th all over
the world.
Jesus was not born on December 25th exactly but this
date was chosen to coincide with the pagan Roman celebrations honoring Saturnus
(Harvest God) and Mithras (Ancient God of Light).
The day of this celebrations came just after the
winter solstice, that is the shortest day of the year in the northern
hemisphere. The celebrations were to make known that winter is not forever. It
was a form of worshiping the sun.
Jesus was born nearly 2000 years ago. To the
Christians, Jesus is the Son of God and the Savior/Saviour of the world. The
Christians believe that He came to die for our sins so that we may go to
heaven.
WHAT DOES THE WORD "CHRISTMAS" MEAN?
Christmas actually comes from "Mass of
Christ". It was however shortened to "Christ Mass". Sometimes
the shorter version "Xmas" is also used.
WHAT IS BOXING DAY?
Boxing Day is the day right after Christmas. This
December 26 holiday is observed in England, Australia, Canada and New Zealand.
It is a day of giving to the less fortunate and charitable institutions in the
form of money and gifts. Some will spend the day doing volunteer work. It is
called Boxing Day because it was the custom during those days for tradesmen to
collect their Christmas boxes (gifts) in return for their good and reliable
service throughout the year.
Today, Boxing Day is celebrated with family and
friends with lots of fun, food and friendship.
CHRISTMAS SYMBOLS
Christmas is also a time where homes and malls are
decorated with all kinds of decorations. Most of the decorations are symbols of
Christmas. Without them, it would seem something is missing.
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