Christmas Day is fast coming and you’d think my blog would be filled with Christmas related stories. So far, I managed to write two Christmas related story, this month. It’s not like that day isn’t special or I don’t have reasons to rejoice. It is special and I do have a reason to rejoice.
A few days ago, I came across someone who was agitated at the idea of celebrating the birth of Jesus on December 25th. I already knew it wasn’t the actual date. “Did you ever consider the Christian symbolism behind that particular day?”, I asked. Christ symbolism? What does this have to do with rejoicing on Christmas Day?
First, I do know of Pope Gregory and Constantine choosing to to “christianize” an existing pagan holiday. I discovered this, years ago. I, also took notice of the irony in choosing a day that’s just before New Year.
In case you don’t know, Winter Solstice is really a couple of days before Christmas Day and it’s marked as the darkest day of the whole year. It is a day with the fewest amount of sunlight. After it, the days steadily become brighter and brighter.
Jesus was born during the time of Augustus Ceaser. Things were quite dark for those not born a Roman citizen. Israel was in despeate need of a deliver from this oppressive regime. Truth is, we were all in desperate need of being rescued from our sins. Sound familiar?
Yet, all is not lost. Hope has come into the world and He came at our darkest hour. Because of Hope, everything has changed! Because of Jesus, we can look forward to our days becoming brighter and brighter. Because of Jesus, We can look forward to a new beginning. Here is why:
10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; 11 for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 This will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” 13And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,
14 “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace among menwith whom He is pleased.” [Luke 2:10-14]
http://seg.sharethis.com/getSegment.php?purl=http%3A%2F%2Finsppoint.wordpress.com%2Fwp-admin%2Fpost-new.php&jsref=&rnd=1324151303315Because of Jesus, I have been redeemed from the clutches of a far worse oppressor than Rome. Jesus is my true Hope and the reason that I rejoice on Christmas Day. Truth is, we should rejoice on all 365 days and not just one.
As for the actual day, I am not overly concerned if it was in March or December. Let’s focus on why Jesus came and not on foolish arguements over dates. Let’s remember, God, the Father gave us, a wonderful gift on that fateful day. Let’s receive it, with gladness and joy.
Christianity Explained 