| Christmas, when all five are burning. There are usually four candles in a wreath with the fifth candle in the center. Different Christian traditions use different colored candles and different symbolisms and stories, but they all center around the largest or most central candle which is lighted at Christmas, upon the birth of Christ. Christmas is also the time of year to gather and celebrate with family and friends, eat good food, and exchange gifts. In traditional Christian homes, the presents are placed under the Christmas tree, which is topped with an angel or a bright star, and distributed Christmas morning (after Santa Claus has been there) or after Christmas dinner when all the family is gathered. Homes are decorated with manger scenes, lights, wreaths, and candles, and in many homes the Christmas story from the New Testament of the Bible is told. In many churches, special recognition is given to the fact that a few months later, the church will be honoring the death of Christ, and his resurrection at Easter. |
| "But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, Are not the least among the rulers of Judah; For out of you shall come a Ruler Who will shepherd My people Israel." |
| The celebration of Christmas has deep roots that can be traced back thousands of years. Modern Christians celebrate December 25 in honor of the birth of Jesus Christ, though it is widely recognized that December 25 is probably not the day Jesus was actually born. Jesus was miraculously conceived by the virgin Mary according to the will of God, and was God's son, or God incarnate in human form. Joseph took Mary to be his wife and cared for her and the young Christ-child. Before Jesus was born, Joseph and Mary had to travel to Bethlehem for a census count. The town was over-crowded with people who had come for the census, and there were no rooms available for the couple to stay in. An inn-keeper allowed them to sleep in a stable, and that night Christ was born. |
| As the story goes, when Christ was born a very bright star appeared in the sky which led three magi from the east to the child. Scholars believe that they did not arrive shortly after His birth, as many scenes depict, but months later. Then they worshipped Him and honored Him with expensive gifts. Some scientists say they can confirm that almost 2000 years ago, three stars aligned in the womb of the constellation Virgo, creating what appeared to be one very bright star which sent a message from the heavens to the three wise men. |
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The arrival of the baby Jesus was a great blessing to the people of the land, who believed Him to be a Savior who would rule as their new king. Although He never sat on an earthly throne, He changed the face of religion in His day, and died as a martyr of crucifixion, a spiritual Savior. His death symbolized the death of sin and the salvation of the world. On the third day after His death, He rose from His tomb and ascended into heaven. |
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On the same night that the baby Jesus was born, angels appeared to shepherds in the fields, singing and declaring the miracle to them. The shepherds hurried to see the Son of God, a king born in a manger, and reported what they had seen to others. The reference to the shepherds is symbolic in that Jesus is called the Great Shepherd, the One who cares for all people and takes them into His fold. He is also known as the Lamb of God who sacrificed His life for the forgiveness of mankind's sins. (Animal sacrifices were presented to God at that time.) |
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| Modern Christmas traditions include the Hanging of the Greens and the Advent season. The Hanging of the Greens occurs at the beginning of Advent, when evergreens are used to decorate the home or church. The greenery represents the eternal life given to Christians by the death of sin in Christ. Advent season prepares the way for the birth of Christ in the hearts of Christians. The word "advent" is used to mean the coming of Christ into the world. The first Sunday of Advent is the fourth Sunday before Christmas (or in some cases, the four Sundays before Christmas Sunday.) Five candles are used and lit, one by one, each Sunday until |
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