Although we celebrate Christmas on December 25th, that is not the date of Jesus’ birth. Jesus was probably born in the spring, as that is when kings would generally conduct a census. Also, shepherds would not have been out with their sheep in the cold of winter. December 25th was established as the day to celebrate Jesus’ birth about 300 years after he lived on earth. The winter solstice occurs around that time and the date was probably picked to counteract ancient celebrations that were full of drinking and revelry.
In the past, many Christians throughout England refused to celebrate Christmas because they felt it was a pagan celebration that didn’t honor Jesus. The Pilgrims banned its celebration in America. In Germany, Christmas tended to be a more reverent, family-oriented event. When Queen Victoria of England married Prince Albert from Germany, the royal family adopted German customs surrounding Christmas, including the Christmas tree. That helped transform the Christmas celebration in England into something more family-focused.
In December Christmas comes
as a holiday each year,
A special time of giving,
celebration and good cheer.
A time when we should focus
on our Father up above,
Who sent his Son to live on earth,
showing us his love.
Each Christmas make a habit
to study why Christ came,
And that your celebration
brings honor to his name.
Let each Christmas custom
that you as a family do,
Cause you to think of Jesus,
his life and what is true.
Some children think of Santa
and over presents they go wild,
When Christmas really celebrates
Jesus coming as a child.
So don’t think so much of Santa,
focus on God’s only Son.
As knowing more of Jesus,
makes life meaningful and fun.
Christmas is a time to share
the news of Jesus’ birth,
That as a gift God sent his Son
to live with men on earth.
So as your family gathers round
a special Christmas meal,
Thank Jesus that he came to earth
to save, forgive, and heal.
And when you see the presents
laying underneath the tree,
Remember that the greatest gift
is the one you cannot see.
It’s the gift that Jesus gave us,
by dying for our sin.
It’s the gift of everlasting life,
which in him does begin.
At Christmas sing some carols
to spread the joyful news,
That the gift God gave in Jesus
is the gift that we should choose.
And when you sing those carols
and in worship lift your voice,
Give thanks to Christ for coming,
and for his love rejoice.
And the lights on trees and houses,
shining bright as day,
Should remind you Jesus is the light
that leads us in God’s way.
We don’t have to live in darkness;
in Jesus there is light.
He teaches us the way of truth
and what is good and right.
Jesus is the reason
for the Christmas celebration,
Bringing light to all the earth
and joy to every nation.
Don’t let Santa Claus and presents
cause you to forget,
That Jesus is the greatest gift
that you can ever get.