Topical Encyclopedia
Christmas is a Christian holiday commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ, celebrated annually on December 25th. While the exact date of Jesus' birth is not specified in the Bible, the early Church established December 25th as the day to celebrate this pivotal event in Christian history. The term "Christmas" is derived from the Old English "Cristes Maesse," meaning "Christ's Mass."
Biblical BackgroundThe birth of Jesus is recorded in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke. In the Gospel of Luke, the angel Gabriel announces to Mary that she will conceive a son by the Holy Spirit, and she is to name Him Jesus (
Luke 1:31-35). The narrative continues with the decree from Caesar Augustus that a census be taken, leading Joseph and Mary to travel to Bethlehem, where Jesus is born in a manger because there was no room for them in the inn (
Luke 2:1-7).
The Gospel of Matthew provides additional details, including the visit of the Magi, or wise men, who follow a star to find the newborn King of the Jews. They present Him with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh (
Matthew 2:1-12). This account highlights the recognition of Jesus' kingship and the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies regarding the Messiah.
Theological SignificanceChristmas celebrates the Incarnation, the theological doctrine that God became flesh in the person of Jesus Christ. This event is central to Christian belief, as it marks the moment when God entered human history to bring salvation to mankind. The Gospel of John emphasizes this truth: "The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us" (
John 1:14). The Incarnation underscores the love and grace of God, who sent His Son to redeem humanity from sin.
Historical DevelopmentThe celebration of Christmas as a distinct holiday began in the early centuries of the Christian Church. By the 4th century, December 25th was established as the date of celebration, possibly to coincide with and Christianize the Roman festival of Saturnalia, a time of feasting and gift-giving. Over time, various traditions and customs have developed around the holiday, including the Advent season, which prepares believers for the celebration of Christ's birth.
Cultural TraditionsChristmas is marked by a variety of cultural traditions that vary across the world. Common customs include the singing of carols, the decoration of Christmas trees, the exchange of gifts, and the gathering of family and friends. These traditions, while not explicitly biblical, are often seen as expressions of joy and gratitude for the gift of Jesus Christ.
Scriptural ReflectionsThe celebration of Christmas invites believers to reflect on the profound mystery of the Incarnation and the humility of Christ's birth. The angelic proclamation to the shepherds captures the essence of the Christmas message: "Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people: Today in the city of David a Savior has been born to you. He is Christ the Lord" (
Luke 2:10-11). This announcement heralds the arrival of the Savior, bringing hope and peace to a world in need of redemption.
Topical Bible Verses
Matthew 1:18-25Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.
Topicalbible.orgMatthew 2:1-12
Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,
Topicalbible.org
John 1:14
And the Word was made flesh, and dwelled among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.
Topicalbible.org
John 3:16
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
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Library
Christmas
... HYMNS OF THE EARLY CHURCHChristmas. 7,8,7,8,7,7Christmas. Rosy dawn, with locks
of gold,. Looks upon the world awaking; For the day by prophets told,....
Christmas
... II. THE CHRISTIAN YEARChristmas. [247]71 While shepherds watched their flocks
by night [248]72 O come, all ye faithful [249]73 Hark!...
Christmas Day
...CHRISTMAS DAY. How will it dawn, the comingChristmas Day? A northernChristmas,
such as painters love, And kinsfolk, shaking hands...
AChristmas Carol
... ACHRISTMAS CAROL. It chanced upon the merry merryChristmas eve, I went
sighing past the church across the moorland dreary" 'Oh!...
AChristmas Sermon
AChristmas Sermon. <. AChristmas Sermon Robert Louis Stevenson.
E-text prepared by Robert Cicconetti, Pilar Somoza...
AChristmas Question
... AChristmas Question. A Sermon (No.291).... Unto thee there is noChristmas
mirth, for thee no child is born; to thee no Son is given....
AChristmas Carol
... BIBLE STORIES AND RELIGIOUS CLASSICS ACHRISTMAS CAROL. As Joseph was
a-walking, He heard an angel sing, "This night shall be the...
Idiomelon forChristmas.
... IDIOMELON FORCHRISTMAS. i Anatolius, 458. In Bethlehem is He born,. Maker of all
things, everlasting GOD! He opens Eden's gate,. Monarch of Ages!...
Christmas God with Us.
...Christmas God with Us. III. God with Us. 6,6,10,6,6,10. Herr Jesu Christ dein Kripplein
ist. [56]Paul Gerhardt. O blessed Jesus! This. Thy lowly manger is....
The FirstChristmas Carol
... THE FIRSTCHRISTMAS CAROL. In England on... their good-will. The first verse of
one of the oldest and bestChristmas carols is as follows:...
Resources
In Leviticus chapter 12, why is a woman unclean longer if she gives birth to a daughter than if she gives birth to a son? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about permanent forms of birth control such as a tubal ligation or vasectomy? | GotQuestions.orgWhy does God allow birth defects? | GotQuestions.orgBirth: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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