“Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel,” — Isaiah 7:14

It’s Christmas and the world is gearing up to herald the arrival of baby Jesus with all fervour. Christian shrines are all decked up to mark the occasion with all pomp and gaiety. From erecting Christmas trees to singing carols to building cribs, it’s a colourful affair and a feast for the eyes. The faithful throng churches for special prayers and mass.

Christmas means “Christ-mass”. Although the date is a guess, the tradition of observing it goes back to at least the fourth century.

Birth of Jesus the Messiah

Jesus’ mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph, her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly. But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”

When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. But he did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus.

When did Christmas start

The traditional date of December 25 goes back as far as AD 273. Two pagan festivals honouring the sun were also celebrated on this day. It is believed that the day was chosen by the Christians to counteract the influence of paganism.

Another theory that revolves around the date is that the Western Church of March 25 has accepted December 25 as the Annunciation or Immaculate Conception of Jesus in Mary’s womb. December 25 is 9 months later and thus celebrated as the birthday of Jesus.

Christmas Eve

Christians eagerly look forward to the Christmas eve. In western countries, the festival is not just celebrated as a single day, but as a whole season, beginning with December 24, the Christmas Eve. The tradition echoes the ancient Jewish practice, where a day began at six in the evening and ran until six the following evening.

Midnight Mass

Midnight mass is a very important service for Christians, especially Catholics. This popular Christmas custom is a jubilant celebration of the Mass or Service of Worship in honour of the Nativity of Jesus.

The tradition of a midnight Vigil on the eve of Christmas began in the East, and was observed in the late fourth century in Jerusalem by a Christian woman named Egeria on the night of January 5. The tradition reached the Western world in the year 430 under Pope Sixtus III in the Basilica of St Mary Major.

By the twelfth century, the practice of midnight Mass had become more widespread as all priests had been granted the faculty of celebrating three masses on Christmas Day, provided the three were celebrated at their appropriate times of midnight, dawn and day.

Although churches have a mass on Christmas morning as well, the midnight mass has its own charm.

Worshipers throng churches and cathedrals decorated with twinkling lights for the midnight service to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. This is followed by a massive feast of different delicacies mixed with merriment, exchanging greetings and gifts with friends and relatives. Churches are decorated with Poinsettia flowers and candles for the Christmas Eve Midnight mass service.

Christian meanings behind ancient traditions

Evergreen trees, candles, holly, the colour ‘red’, gifts, Yule log, mistletoe, bells etc which had its place in ancient traditions derived new meanings with Christmas.

Evergreen trees which symbolised eternal life was introduced to the church as a picture of eternal life in Christ.

Candles represent the idea that Christ is the “light of the world”.

Holly depicts the thorns in Jesus’ crown when he was crucified.

Red, the colour of Christmas, symbolises Christ’s blood and death.

Gifts represent the gifts of the Magi to baby Jesus.

The yule log was identified with Christ and his cross.

Mistletoe was an ancient symbol from the Roman times. It was under mistletoe plant that old enmities and broken friendship were restored. According to the Bible, Christ was the one who took away the enmity and gave us peace with God.

Bells are identified with good news. Christians see Christ’s birth as the good news.