what is real christmas

After Thanksgiving in the U.S., and as early as the day after Halloween in Canada, Christmas trees both fake and real appear at stores. Photo credit: Unsplash-d-a-v-i-d-s-o-n-l-u-n-a 3. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. The song retells the story from Luke 2 of the angels telling the shepherds in the field of the Savior being born, and the wise men following that same star to bring Him gifts. Because He loves us! In the play, the Garden of Eden was most often represented by a fir tree hung with apples and surrounded by candles. This content was adapted from "Christmas Eve" by Dan Graves. No, that isn't a trick answer—well, not much of a trick, at least. Recycling programs located in most communities turn your used tree into useful mulch. Photo credit: Unsplash/Greyson Joralemon A third tradition about the origin of the Christmas tree attributes it to Martin Luther, an influential leader of the Reformation. The Real Date of Christmas By TruthBook Staff Of course, this title caught my eye What We Know About When Jesus Was Actually Born by Ashley Ross; it seems every year, there is fresh speculation about the real date of Jesus' birth; see our blog below for more commentary. This content was adapted from the original article "The Origin of Christmas Traditions and Christ's Birth" by Dr. John Barnett. The true meaning of Christmas is a phrase that began to appear in the mid-19th century when a shift toward a more secular culture resulted in a national backlash. What is the real Christmas story? Davies Gilbert added the lyrics in the 1800s, and it was published in 1823. Mistletoe was an ancient symbol from the Roman times. If so, why do we celebrate Christmas on December 25?". “Joy to the World” is a repetition of God’s promises; ones that we need to repeat to ourselves far beyond the Christmas season. The Growing Gap Between Julian and Gregorian, But We All Celebrate Christmas on December 25. Add 13 days to December 25 to make the adjustment from the Julian calendar to the Gregorian one, and you arrive on January 7. Most types of real Christmas trees take approximately seven years to reach maturity, and for every tree that is harvested, anywhere from one to three more seedlings are planted. The first verse of the song speaks of the Son of God appearing. Keith Morrison talks to leading Bible scholars and reports on a story that journeys back in time. Every year, I'm asked questions by people confused that the Eastern Orthodox celebrate Easter on a different day in most years from Catholics and Protestants. The Yule Log was a symbol by which all the men in the family would carry a log large enough to burn for 12 days into the house. the annual Christian festival celebrating Christ's birth, held on December 25 in the Western Church. In the 8th century, he was a missionary to some of the remotest tribes of Germany. When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. Learn Religions, Feb. 8, 2021, learnreligions.com/real-date-of-christmas-3977692. Matthew 1:18-25, "For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. It is bound up in the organized apostasy with which Satan has gripped a deceived world these many centuries! There are two specific theories for why we use the date of December 25th for Christmas. 8:00 15/11/2019 ενημερώθηκε 25/11/2020 στις 14:30. “And so, let the heavens resound in gladness! Is the Date of Easter Related to Passover? The Christmas season, especially in the West, is a mix of pre-Christian, Christian, and secular traditions. Under the influence of the church, Christian traditions replaced pagan solstice festivals throughout Europe. six geese a-laying. Boniface determined that if he wanted to earn an audience with the people, he would have to confront Thor. Noble fir (Abies procera Rehd) Grown mainly in Oregon, the Noble fir is one of the most popular live … The difference is entirely the result of the use of different calendars. The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this." This article is part of our larger Christmas and Advent resource library centered around the events leading up to the birth of Jesus Christ. It was entitled, "Twas the Night before Christmas..."! But Christians have long believed that the gospel not only transcends culture, it also transforms it. He was struck by the beauty of how the snow shimmered in the moonlight on the branches of the trees. When we sing this classic Christmas carol, we are lauding the Lord over stanzas of Scripture that took over 800 years to be fulfilled. The fact is, all Eastern Orthodox celebrate Christmas on December 25; it just seems like some of them celebrate it on January 7. He has written about Catholicism for outlets including Humanitas and Catholic Answers Magazine. The Christmas tree appears to be here to stay. That is the central idea of Christmas. It speaks of warmth, unity, joy and the security of endless life. The real Christmas story is the story of God’s becoming a human being in the Person of Jesus Christ. 26. Photo credit: Unsplash He announced before the people that he was going to cut down the oak, and he openly challenged Thor to strike him down. You see, Christmas is when we … The real meaning of Christmas is about Who was born. First, people and religions of the day celebrated some sort of holiday around that time. It’s a shortened form of Christ’s Mass. Christmas is thought by most to be a wonderful time, focusing the participants on giving, family togetherness, beautiful music and decorations, feasting on special foods and singing Christmas carols throughout the neighborhood (as my family did every year). But it’s a myth that artificial Christmas trees are always the cheaper option—at least on a one-to-one basis. What Is the Real Date of Christmas? Tradition holds that a fir tree was growing in the roots of the oak, and Boniface claimed the tree as a symbol of Christ. The true meaning of Christmas is the celebration of this incredible act of love. With references to the Rod of Jesse and the Key of David, it envelopes the Old Testament prophecies of Jesus Christ, which brings the New Testament into an even brighter light. This content was adapted from "Christmas Eve" by Dan Graves. Earlier an angel had told Joseph that this baby would save us from our sins. It’s quite possible that the tune of this song has been played since the 1200s. But the real meaning of Christmas is something even higher, bigger, and infinitely better than all of that. Gifts are a reminder of the gifts of the Magi to baby Jesus. All three have some element of historical fact, and they may even loosely connect from one to another. 38647BAB-4253-4399-BF34-F2AE8036D83D@1.00x. Bells are associated with ringing out news. Richert, Scott P. "What Is the Real Date of Christmas?" The very definition of the word, “joy,” is “a source or cause of delight” (Merriam-Webster). It started with the creation of man, acted out the first sin, and showed Adam and Eve being expelled from Paradise (the Garden of Eden). The National Christmas Tree Association's Real Christmas Tree Locator is a very handy Google map that allows you to zoom in on your location and filter by pre-cut vs. you-cut, and even look for perks like petting zoos, sleigh rides, and Santa visits. Photo credit: Unsplash/Samule Sun Until the turn of the 20th century, the Julian calendar was off by 12 days; currently, it is 13 days behind the Gregorian calendar and will remain so until 2100, when the gap will grow to 14 days. Ornaments of every type, shape, and shade await perusal year-round at some special Christmas stores. The Eastern Orthodox still use the Julian calendar to calculate the date of Easter, and some, though not all, use it to mark the date of Christmas. Jesus probably wasn’t born on December 25. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. Isaiah 7:14, "The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. Let the fields grow in triumph, a grand jubilee for all that live there. Scott P. Richert is senior content network manager of Our Sunday Visitor. Learn Religions. And he gave him the name Jesus." Model #TFP-056-LOW-PREM. Historically an Advent song, “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” exudes the angst of a people waiting for their Savior. They are timeless and without boundary. He became aware of some desperate needs in his congregation, and a family having to sell their children into slavery, so one night he came and left money on their doorstep. Defined, it literally means, “a Christmas carol” (Merriam Webster). One of the most remarkable stories of Christmas comes from one of the darkest moments of modern history. Saint Nicholas was the supposed early Bishop of a church in Asia Minor [the modern country of Turkey]. The human cost, well in the millions, staggers us. Lights for indoor and outdoor trees abound. Some say that on Christmas Eve, Luther was walking through the woods near his home. The Christmas carols and card companies have it all wrong. Miraculously, as Boniface began to chop the oak, a mighty wind blew and hurled the tree to the ground. 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Psalm 98, Psalm 96:11-12 and Genesis 3:17-18 are all embraced in the beautiful truth of what Christmas is really about. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. These lyrics can be traced back to the first story found in the Bible. The first story is about St. Boniface. "Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel." With all of the commercialization of the holiday season, it can be hard to remember what Christmas is all about. From Jewish Chanukah to Pagan Winter Solstice to Germanic Yule to Roman Dies Natalis Solis Invicti (Birth of the Unconquered Sun); the sheer number of celebration days with trees, decorations, yule logs, mistletoe and feasts seem to point to a season of celebration to which Christians added the birth of Jesus as a counter-cultural event and possibly even an escape from the pagan holidays for early believers. It can be a time of healing and renewed strength. What are some of the most reviewed products in Real Christmas Trees? First, the angel said that the one who was born is a Savior. Find Out Why the Date of Easter Changes Every Year, Everything You Need to Know About Easter in the Catholic Church, Epiphany and the Three Magi - Medieval Christmas History, Calendar for the Feast of Trumpets and Other Bible Feasts, M.A., Political Theory, Catholic University of America, B.A., Political Theory, Michigan State University. Holly speaks of the thorns in His crown (Matthew 27:29). Among the most popular of these plays was the “Paradise” play. All of this is supposedly centered around the worship of Christ. They found local use there and soon spread to America. Since 1719, we’ve had a melody to weave around the embrace of these promises. Photo credit: Unsplash/Freestocks Org for pricing and availability. The second theory centers around the date “accepted” by the Western Church of March 25 as the Annunciation or Immaculate Conception of Jesus in Mary’s womb. It closed with the promise of a coming Savior, which made the play a particular favorite during the Christmas season. Let all the trees of the forest dig in and reach high with songs of joy before the Eternal” (Psalm 96:11-12). Red is a color of Christmas that speaks of Christ's blood and death. Christmas is a time of spiritual reflection on the important foundations of the Christian faith. Isaiah spoke of the Messiah’s birth around 740-680 BC: “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). Isaac Watts penned the lyrics to “Joy to the World,” but God Himself ordained the Scripture that is referenced throughout its stanzas. In an effort to re-create the magnificent sight for his family, he cut down the tree, placed it in his home, and decorated it with candles. HAPPY HOLIDAYS!! If you are familiar with the reasons for the different dates of Easter in East and West, you'll know that one of the factors that come into play is the difference between the Julian calendar (used in Europe up until 1582, and in England until 1752) and its replacement, the Gregorian calendar, which is still in use today as the standard global calendar. A Throwback video from the entire Illtown Family. !Kay Gee from Naughty By Nature launched his own label, Divine Mill. "Real Christmas trees benefit the environment by absorbing carbon dioxide and other environmental gases and emitting oxygen. Among the many accounts claiming to explain the origin of the Christmas tree, the three most popular are from Germany — making it the likeliest place of origin. It is not just one of many things we can say about the birth of Christ, it is the key fact, the redemptive fact about Christmas. Each egg is a … Another possible source of the Christmas tree (and probably the most likely) comes from medieval religious plays in Germany. One major study by PE International found that real or fake, Christmas trees account for less than 0.1% of the average person’s annual carbon footprint. For some people, the true meaning of Christmas is the warmth and love of our families, a celebration of the home. And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus, for he shall save his people from their sins. In 1846 Cole and Horsley saw the commercial potential of this growing tradition and started the production of what is now over a $1,000,000,000.00 industry, that sees 4 billion cards sent each year in America alone. “Noel” derives from the Latin verb “nasci,” to be born, and eventually trickled down into the French reference to the Christmas holiday. Often the more innocent pagan practices (such as bringing in a Yule log, decorating with holly and the like) were carried over into the Christmas observance, transfigured with new meaning. Richert, Scott P. (2021, February 8). The real origin of Christmas goes back to the ancient Babylon. Yet, Christmas can be a season of great joy. To put you in a festive mood (as well as to correct a few historical misunderstandings) here are ten things you probably didn’t know about the first Christmas. Like Christ, give to those who can't repay you. This content was adapted from the original article "The Origin of the Christmas Tree" by Angie Mosteller. World War I ravaged a continent, leaving destruction and debris in its wake. Centuries later, Matthew recorded these words: “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”; Matthew 1:23). Check out our guide about the benefits of real versus artificial Christmas trees. For every tree purchased, farmers plant 1-3 seedlings in its place according to the National Christmas Tree Association. So Christ was the One who took away the enmity and gave us peace with God (Romans 5:1; Romans 8:1). There are close to 350 million real Christmas trees currently growing on Christmas tree farms in the U.S. Christmas trees are grown in all 50 states and Canada. Some join Catholics and Protestants in celebrating Christmas on December 25 on the Gregorian calendar, while the rest celebrate Christmas on December 25 on the Julian calendar. Christmas tree farms help … We hope these articles help you understand the meaning and story behind important Christian holidays and dates and encourage you as you take time to reflect on all that God has done for us through his son Jesus Christ! 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. And, the longer you keep an artificial tree, the less impact there is on the environment. Since real Christmas trees are grown specifically for the holidays, there's no threat of deforestation. 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. Embracing Noel sends us traveling back to an ancient era, where our timeless Savior was born. What’s interesting is the etymology of the word Christmas. This site is a proud member of the Salem Web Network, a subsidiary of, Copyright © 2021, Crosswalk.com. Santa Claus is a Dutch word that is actually Sinter Claus, Saint Nicholas, in English. Perhaps the practice of celebrating the evening before the big day is an echo from ancient Jewish reckoning. Richert, Scott P. "What Is the Real Date of Christmas?" Start some traditions that point to Christ. Michigan ranks third among all states in the production of real Christmas trees, but grows a larger variety of Christmas … The Real Meaning of Christmas. Micah 5:2. In A.D. 320 one theologian answered this criticism by noting, “We hold this day holy, not like the pagans because of the birth of the sun, but because of him who made it.”. John 1:14, "This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. Christmas is the annual Christian festival celebrating Christ's birth, held on December 25 in the Western Church. You purchasing a real Christmas tree means you’re supporting local tree farmers and helping maintain healthy forests for generations to come. Find My Store. Why did God do such a thing? Lucy’s sign was usually that the doctor is “In”, meaning she was present in the office and available. Christmas means "Christ-mass." December 25 is 9 months later and thus celebrated as the birthday of Jesus. Some Real Christmas Trees can be shipped to you at home, while others can be picked up in store. Enjoy this wonderful time of the year, don't lose the season for the rush. Pope Gregory XIII introduced the Gregorian calendar to correct astronomical inaccuracies in the Julian calendar, which had caused the Julian calendar to get out of sync with the solar year. But these towns are for real—and all you have to do to witness their Hallmark Christmas movie-worthy magic is book your trip. How much of the Nativity story is history? To this day some people feel uncomfortable with Christmas because they think it is somehow tainted by the pagan festivals held on that day. Real Christmas. Among earlier Jews, a day began at six in the evening and ran until six the following evening. Regardless of the possible reasons for the date, the church calendar was set in the West during Constantine’s reign while the Eastern Church held onto the date of January 6 for some time. 4 Ways to Get Involved in Foster Care and Adoption. Pause to sense the darkness outside at night, and then thank God for sending the light. He is probably best known for what is called the “Felling of Thor’s Oak.” It is said that upon entering a town in northern Hesse (Hessia), Boniface learned that the people worshiped the god Thor who they believed resided in a great oak tree among them. This content was adapted from the original article "The Origin of Christmas Traditions and Christ's Birth" by Dr. John Barnett. 5-6-ft Fraser Fir Real Christmas Tree. This content was adapted from the original article "10 Christmas Carols that Tell the Real Story of Christmas" by Meg Bucher. Candles are a picture that Christ is the Light of the world (John 8). It literally means Christian Mass. They were identifying with Christ and His Cross. Although the date is a guess, the tradition of observing it goes back to at least the fourth century. It was under mistletoe that old enmities and broken friendship were restored. for pricing and availability. Evergreen Trees were the symbol of eternal life. Are There Really Demons That Rule over Nations? For others, the real meaning of Christmas is love for other people – “Peace on earth, good will toward men.” And of course, many Christians think the true meaning of Christmas is that it is the birthday of Jesus. There is no Christian church with a tradition that Jesus was really born on December 25th. “He reigns with truth and grace.” He is righteous, He has come, and sits at the right hand of the Father with authority. The very world “Noel” is synonymous with Christmas. To read more Christmas Bible verses, click here! Just be sure to check websites for the latest updates on 2020 events, as some may be effected or cancelled due to coronavirus precautions. The true meaning of Christmas is the celebration of the birth of Jesus who lived in Israel 2000 years ago and who died on the cross for our sins (1 Corinthians 15 1-4; 1 Peter 2:24). RealChristmas.Gr. Article Images Copyright ©, What Is Christmas: Understanding the History and Origin, This content was adapted from the original article ", Photo credit: Unsplash-d-a-v-i-d-s-o-n-l-u-n-a, The Origin of Christmas Traditions and Christ's Birth, 10 Christmas Carols that Tell the Real Story of Christmas, The History of Santa Claus: Origin of St. Nicholas & Christmas Traditions, The Birth of Jesus: Bible Story and Scripture Verses, What is Advent: Definition & Meaning Behind Christmas Tradition, Advent Wreath & Candles - Understanding the History, Meaning, and Tradition, The History and Meaning of the Advent Calendar, Hope-Filled Readings and Prayers for the First Sunday of Advent, California - Do Not Sell My Personal Information. https://www.learnreligions.com/real-date-of-christmas-3977692 (accessed May 24, 2021). 3-5-ft Fresh Noble Fir Christmas Tree. That part is covered up with “Real In”. More specifically, when we use the word “meaning,” we’re talking about the purpose of his birth that Christmas is supposed to celebrate. Two pagan festivals honoring the sun were also celebrated on that day and it is possible that December 25 was chosen to counteract the influence of paganism. 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.” All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”). The word used to describe the day of His birth became an anthem in celebration of the day of His birth. In other words, there is no dispute between Catholics and Orthodox over the date of Christ's birth. In 1582, the Julian calendar was off by 10 days; by 1752, when England adopted the Gregorian calendar, the Julian calendar was off by 11 days. 1. For others, the real meaning of Christmas is love for other people – … Isaiah 9:6-7, "But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times." For centuries, Christmas was celebrated not as a single day, but as a whole season in parts of the world, beginning with this day, December 24, Christmas Eve. The Christian sees the truth implicit in this pagan tradition that reflects: Christ the Light of the world, His triumph over the night of sin in Luke 1:78-79: "...Because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven 79 to shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace.”. It is a time of God showing His great love for us. Let joy be the earth’s rhythm as the sea and all its creatures roar. Every year, I'm asked questions by people confused that the Eastern Orthodox celebrate Easter on a different day in most years from Catholics and Protestants. Retrieved from https://www.learnreligions.com/real-date-of-christmas-3977692. It was gold in a stocking. The real message of Christmas is about the incarnation of God; Emanuel, God with us. Is "Nice Guy/Girl" Syndrome Ruining Christian Dating? All rights reserved. Christmas is about totally pure, unconditional, irrepressible, inconceivably awesome, self-denying TRUE LOVE. Had not Moses written: "An evening and a morning were the first day"? Christ is the good news, the best news of all. In Egypt, it was always believed that the son of Iris (Egyptian name for "Queen of Heaven") was born December 25th. Each of them speak to a component of His incarnation: Majesty in life, Bitterest Agony in Death and He as God's Perfect gift to us (Matthew 2). The stories span from the 8th to the 16th century. The traditional date of December 25 goes back as far as A.D. 273. Someone noted a similar situation regarding the date of Christmas: "A friend of mine—a convert to Eastern Orthodoxy—tells me that the real date of Christ's birth is not December 25 but January 7. In 1822, Clement Moore wrote a poem for children that has never been forgotten. Christmas is a lie. 1. Someone noted a similar situation regarding the date of Christmas: "A friend of mine—a convert to Eastern Orthodoxy—tells me that the real date of Christ's birth is not December 25 but January 7. Needless to say, the people readily accepted Boniface’s message, and the tree eventually came to be associated with the birth of Christ and a celebration of the day when the mighty God (who could hurl a gigantic oak to the ground) chose to humbly enter the world as a babe. Christmas Cards started in 1844. Based on data from The National Christmas Tree Association, the average price per real Christmas tree in 2018 was $78, while the average price per fake Christmas tree was $104. That's why all Eastern Orthodox celebrate Christmas (or, rather, the feast of the Nativity of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, as it is known in the East) on December 25.

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