BIRTH OF CHRIST

What is truly Christmas? During the winter time Romans observed Juvenalia, which was a holiday honoring the children of Rome. In addition, many upper class citizens celebrated the birth of Mithra, the god of the unbeatable sun on December 25th. It was believed that Mithra, an infant god was given birth by a rock. For some of the Romans, Mithra’s birthday was the most sanctified/blessed day of the whole year.

For the early church, Easter was the main holiday of the year. The birth of Christ was not celebrated at all until the 4th Century. Church officials instituted the birth of Christ as a holiday. The Bible does not mention the birth of Christ during this year but does give indication of a spring birth. Pope Julius I chose December 25, and it has led many to believe that his decision of the given date was to obtain some of the pagan festival traditions.

To the economic world, Christmas starts on the day after Thanksgiving to December 25th in order to obtain a solid growth of their income. Most companies make extreme revenues during this short time frame. Many companies hold new products, new releases until Christmas time. Many families even consider “Black Friday” to be a major part of shopping as a tradition.

To some Christians, December resembles a time of giving and being kind to one another and many defend the celebration of Christmas to be a time of Christ, “He is the reason for the season”. During the “He is the reason for the season”, it allows people to give and receive in the name of Christ.

A TRUE disciple of Christ celebrates Christmas all year round. For a TRUE Christian is reminded everyday of the birth, the coming of Christ to this earth by choice to set all humans free from the bondage of sin. Treating our neighbors with love and compassion is a lifestyle that reflects the love of Christ through our actions and ways of living. Celebrating the birth of Christ is not something that can be turned on and off in a specific period of time given by a secular world. A disciple of Christ does not need a “reason” to celebrate the birth of Christ. A disciple of Christ is reminded everyday, every season that Christ is the reason for all seasons.