CHRISTMAS – THE SEASON OF GIVING
Christmas is the happiest season for all of us. On this wonderful day all over the world we celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. We join to thank God for His great love for sending His only beloved Son into the world to be born in Bethlehem to be with us. As we decorate our houses for Christmas, children ask some questions to parents, as to why we are putting this Christmas tree, why this crib, etc, etc. and as a parent or guardian, we have to answer their questions. So just a small information on how the Christmas crib and tree came into existence.
Christmas :
would bear a Son and He would be our Saviour. Baby Jesus was born in a stable at Bethlehem. His mother Mary, wrapped him in swaddling clothes. The angels sang and the shepherds came and adored him.
The Christmas Crib :
St Francis of Assissi gave us one of the most beautiful Christmas customs. Once when he was on a hillside outside a small town named Greccio, he wanted to celebrate the Christmas mass in his cave. Upon obtaining the permission, from the Holy Father, he asked the people there to bring their animals – donkeys, sheep, ox to the cave where he was staying. He also set up a CRIB as there been in Bethlehem. Then the people celebrated their midnight mass. During the mass, as St. Francis was proclaiming the Gospel, He was so filled with love, that all the people saw a vision in which they saw St Francis reaching down the crib and lifting up Baby Jesus. It was real and alive. All the people were so overflowed with joy and love at this great event and it is said that they did not need their torches to go home. That night they were glowing with love for Jesus Christ. Thus came the custom of having cribs after that event.
Christmas Tree -
St Boniface was a priest from England, who had gone to Germany to convert the pagan worshippers. They were least bothered of what the priest was telling them. In a fit of rage, St. Boniface cut down the oak tree, which they considered as their god and would worship on 25th of December. The pagans were angry with him and now St. Boniface had to worry how to calm them down. Finally he decided to give them the EVERGREEN Tree as a sign of what Jesus was offering them. The leaves of this tree always points up to Heaven and this would be a sign that Jesus was offering, a life that would never end. So the Christmas tree is a reminder for all of us that God offers us in his Son, EVERLASTING LIFE.
Christmas Plants – Ivy or Holly
Holly has been used for hundreds of years to make wreaths that were hung on the doors of homes and in churches. It is also a reminder of the crown of thorns that Jesus wore when He was crucified. The red berries represent the drops of blood that fell from Jesus head. It is also a reminder of Gods’ love for us, that Gods’ love never ends.
Santa Claus
We know him a jolly red face and white beard. The story also goes to that St. Nicholas used to help three daughters of a poor farmer. The farmer was so poor that he couldn’t afford to get his daughters married. St. Nicholas knew them and wanted to help but he didn’t want anyone to know that he was helping them. He used to climb the roof and drop money gold coins in the girls stocking, which had been hung by fire to dry. It is no wonder that you will find gifts or sweets outside St. Nicholas church still now.
Remember Christmas is a season of giving. God gave His only Son, Jesus, to be borne as a human for us. Jesus came to give his life for us. There is more joy in giving than receiving. The best way to celebrate Christmas is to go for a good confession and keep our soul pure to receive Jesus. Also try to remember the unfortunate ones, the people who are suffering from natural calamities, the people who can’t celebrate Christmas this year, etc, etc.
As Christmas draws near and as we decorate our homes, let us take some time to tell our little loved ones the importance of Christmas and teaching them of God’s love for us.
Wishing all of you a Merry Christmas and may God pour his choicest blessing for 2012.
