Merry Christmas from Reality Is Truth!
The Origins of Christmas
When looking at the origins of Christmas one must first look at Christianity. Most people realize that Christmas is actually the celebration of the birth of Jesus of Nazareth. However, they may not realize that Christians believe he is the Son of God. God is the central figure in the Torah, which is the first 5 books of the Hebrew Bible. The Torah teaches that God is the one and only true god and chronicles his creation of all things and his relationship with the Hebrews.
Christianity grew out of Judaism and recognized the Torah along with several other writings that are collectively known as the Old Testament. Christianity was inspired by the prophecies of the Old Testament and thus is actually a Jewish sect. Through those prophecies, and their personal witness they recognized Jesus as the promised Jewish Messiah.
The New Testament, a Christian scripture, chronicles the birth, life, and crucifixion of Jesus Christ the Messiah. It explains how Jesus was not just born to die for the sins of the world, thus removing the requirement of spiritual death as a punishment for sin, but also to bring a way of life that is "abundant" to his followers. While the celebration of Christmas is not in the New Testament, the story on which it is based can be found there. The annual recognition of Christ's birth started to be observed secretly by Christians during the Roman persecution of Christians in the 1st - 4th centuries AD. This was done so as not to expose them as Christians, being it coincided with pagan celebrations of the time.
Christmas In North America
The history of Christmas in the United States is a fascinating conglomeration of cultural traditions, religious customs, and festive celebrations. Here are some snapshots of Christmas through time in the New World:
Colonial Era (1600s-1700s): The early settlers in America, primarily Puritans, didn't initially celebrate Christmas. They considered it too closely associated with the Church of England, and some even passed laws forbidding its observance. However, by the 1620s and 30s, Christmas had been established as a break in the legislative calendar of the Virginia colony. As new settlers arrived, there grew a real desire to officially celebrate Christmas. By the time of the Revolution, due to English influences, Christmas was more or less universally celebrated in New England.
19th Century: In the 1800s, Christmas gained popularity, largely due to the influence of German and Dutch immigrants who brought traditions like the Christmas Tree and Santa Claus. Washington Irving and Clement Clarke Moore ('Twas the Night Before Christmas) also contributed to making Christmas a cultural sensation that endures to this day.
Victorian Era (19th Century): The Victorian era played a crucial role in shaping the American Christmas we know today. Queen Victoria and Prince Albert popularized the idea of celebrating Christmas with elaborate decorations, gift-giving, and festive feasts. Christians began to use the giving of gifts as an opportunity to share the story of the birth of Jesus and how the Wisemen from the east came to bring the baby Jesus gifts, just hours after his birth and to acknowledge his holiness.
Commercialization in the 20th Century: The early 20th century saw the commercialization of Christmas, with the image of Santa Claus becoming widely popular primarily through advertising. Retailers sought to capitalize on the season's emotions and define it as a time for gift-giving.
Post-WWII Era: Christmas became a central holiday in American culture after World War II. As one might expect the millions who saw firsthand the horrors of war and the debauchery of man had understandably drawn closer to faith and the need for a Savior. This was reflected in a surge in Christmas entertainment that made specific and pointed reference to the birth of Christ. Many of the songs and movies of this error are still seen as quintessential Christmas to most North American Christians. The baby boomer generation has continued to experience the holiday with a focus on family, presents, and specifically the spiritual aspects of Christmas.
Religious and Secular Celebrations: Today Christmas is celebrated by Christians and non-Christians alike and has become a unique cultural event in North America. Most still attend church services and engage in festive activities such as decorating homes, exchanging gifts, and hosting family gatherings regardless of their religious affiliations.
Summary
Throughout its history, Christmas in North America has certainly evolved into a dynamic celebration that reflects the diversity of its people and communicates the often-spoken reminder of the availability of the Savior to those who would grab hold of his promise. If you stop now, and turn down the noise of the season, the voice of the Holy Spirit speaks to you;
"For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the Authority will be on his shoulders. He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and the Prince of Peace."
Isaiah 9:6
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