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You are here : home > Indian Culture > Indian Festivals and occassions > What is Christmas or Xmas?

What is Christmas or Xmas?

What is Christmas or Xmas?

Christmas is fast approaching and it is the time to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. Find out the meaning and essence of Christmas.
Christmas is the occasion when Christians from all over the world offer their gratitude to the Lord, the Father for the birth of Jesus Christ, the Son of the Holy Father. He is considered as the saviour of humanity by all devout Christians. Christmas is basically a part of the cycle of joy, commencing with the Festival of Nativity, that is, Christmas or Xmas. The liturgical cycle in fact starts with Advent, followed by Christmas, then into Epiphany along with the subsequent Sundays and finally ends with the first day of Lent, that is, the Ash Wednesday.

The Meaning of Christmas

It is interesting to note that Christmas is a modern English word which has actually evolved from an old English word – Christes Maesse that is, Christ Mass. This occasion refers to the Mass or service held by the Holy Communion in order to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. Christmas is known by various other names in countries predominantly following Christianity. Like, in Spain, it is known as Navidad, in Italy it is known as Natale, in Portugal, it is known as Natal and in France, it is known as Noel. In Latin, Natal and Dies Natalis mean the ‘Day of the Birth’.

Why is Christmas Celebrated?

There is a great deal of debate and various beliefs amongst scholars and researchers regarding the date of Nativity of Christ, as the exact date of his birth is quite shrouded in mystery. Some are of the opinion that Christ was born sometime in spring and not in December. But if we take a look at the ancient documents of the Christian community in Rome, we find that the celebration of the birth of Christ was observed on December 25th since 336 A.D.

Significance of 25th December

Though there is no solid reason on why 25th December was chosen, but it is believed that since this date falls during the winter solstice when Mithras, the Pagan God is honoured. Earlier during the ancient times, the day was observed by another name, Natalis Solis Invicti, which translates into the ‘Birth of the Unconquered Sun’. It is believed that the Roman Christian leaders decided on this date so that people turn away from observing the day of the Unconquered Sun toward Jesus Christ, the Sun of Righteousness, who is regarded as the Saviour of the World. So some are also of the opinion, Christmas is thus a Pagan celebration as well.

The Meaning and Essence of Christmas

Christmas is basically the celebration of the concept of Incarnation, where the Holy and Almighty Lord takes on human flesh and takes birth from the womb of the Virgin Mary, and undergoes suffering. This is a mystery that is celebrated through a period of time, starting with the Advent as mentioned above. Advent is the beginning of the Lord’s coming and the next is the Epiphany where Christ reveals himself to the world as the incarnation of the Holy Lord. The following three days are known as the Witness Days. December 28 is observed as the Day of the Holy Innocents, when King Herod murdered the baby boys born on that holy night in an attempt to eliminate the baby Jesus.

So Christmas is in fact the observation of the birth of the Lord who took human form, to be born in this world and suffered immense suffering so that the rest of the human kind are absolved of their sins. Christmas is also a grim reminder of the fact that human life consists of suffering and Satan tries to allure us into sins in multifarious ways, and it is through the will power of the human soul. We need to endure the hardship and misery in order to respect the birth of the Lord, who suffered and died for us.




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Linda
Linda.11 years ago
There is so much commercialization of this festival. just before Christmas, every mall has some offers and discounts. Christmas decorations are quite common.
 
 
 
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Priyal
Priyal.11 years ago
Yes I agree with Yogesh, Christmas spirit can be seen everywhere during Christmas time. There is happiness and joy everywhere.
 
 
 
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Yogesh
Yogesh.11 years ago
Christmas is widely popular festival. IT has attained a mass appeal. I love this festival.
 
 
 
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Discussion Forum - Recent Posts
Why is Christmas celebrated on December 25th? What is the meaning of Christmas? How is Christmas known in other countries?
Francis Francis
Christmas is celebrated on 25th December as this date is believed to be the birth date of Lord Jesus. Ancient documents support 25th December as the date of Jesus Christ. ...
read reply
Sigmund Sigmund
Christmas is known by different names in different countries. In France it is known as Noel, it is known as Navidad in Spain, and in Italy it is known as Natale.Christmas is a widely popular festival....
read reply
Gavin Gavin
The literal meaning of Christmas is Christ' s Mass. this is due to the mass held to celebrate the birth date of Jesus Christ. It is formed from two words Christes Maesse. ...
read reply
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