Why Is Christmas Important to Christians? This is a question that most people are curious to learn more about. Christmas is one of the biggest holidays of the year and holds vital importance for Christians. It marks the birth of Jesus of Nazareth.
The story of Jesus’ birth can be found Gospels of Luke and Mathew and in the New Testament of the Bible. Christians view Jesus as the son of God who came to guide humankind and redeem them. The concept is that God sent his son as a man to the world to pay for the past, present, and future sins of humankind.
Christmas is celebrated to remember Jesus Christ and to indulge in worship. It is the anniversary of the birth of Jesus of Nazareth. On Christmas, Christians exchange gifts, decorate Christmas trees, attend Church, and share meals with friends and family. They sing Christmas carols that may include Jesus’s birth story.
Traditionally Jesus’ birth is celebrated on December 25th, but orthodox Christians, especially in Russia and Egypt, celebrate it on January 7th. This difference is because of the way their calendars were devised.
The term ‘Christmas’ is the etymology of ‘Christian Mass’ that stems from the term ‘Christ’s Mass.’ There are many reasons why this special day is of utmost importance to Christians.
Let’s look in detail at the reasons Christmas is important to Christians below.
The Birth of Christ
Christmas is important to Christians because 2000 years ago, Christ was born on this day. Christ was the messiah who had been prophesied for generations and the Son of God. God has sent his son on earth out of love for humankind.
The birth of Jesus was the first step of God’s plan for the redemption of humankind. On Christmas, Christ’s birth and his role are celebrated avidly.
Today Christmas reminds Christians of the birth of Jesus and the symbolic visitations of the shepherds and the three wise men. It is also a reminder of Mary and Joseph, who had an unshakable faith in God despite their difficulties.
To Celebrate the Savior
Humans inherited their sinful nature from the first humans ever created, Adam and Eve. Jesus was born to pay the price of our sins. God sent his only son as the atonement of our sins so that we may not deviate from God’s message.
Christmas is celebrated to recognize the saviour Jesus Christ and to celebrate him. Christmas traditions have symbolic and highly significant meanings for Christians. For example, gifts are exchanged on Christmas as a symbolic token as God sent Christ to us as a gift.
Another reason to exchange gifts is that they bought him gifts when the three wise men visited Jesus. The tradition of giving gifts was further popularized in 1822 when the poem ‘A visit from St Nicholas’ was written and published.
The Fulfillment of God’s Promise
God’s plan for redemption did not start with Jesus but goes beyond that. God’s plan to redeem human beings started with Abraham 2000 years before the birth of Jesus.
God promised Abraham that he would glorify Abraham’s name and that Abraham would father many great nations. God would bless Abraham so that Abraham could bless others.
God sent Jesus, a descendent of Abraham, to fulfil this promise. Over here, the children of Abraham are not his biological descendants but the followers of the faith.
To Remember Jesus
Christmas is celebrated to remember Christ and remember what he came on this earth to accomplish. Jesus was born so that humans could live a blameless life. Jesus took over the burden of sin so that humanity could be saved.
The birth of Jesus carved the way for his death and the redemption of humanity. Through celebrating Christmas, Christians also remember Jesus’ generosity. They do this by exchanging gifts and caring for other people.
Christ was generous throughout his life and cared for the less fortunate. This tradition is carried forward each year whilst celebrating Christmas.
To Focus on What’s Important
These days Christmas has evolved into a bustling holiday full of presents, Christmas lights, and plans. It’s easy to get caught up in all the festivities.
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But Christians also pay immense importance to what they are celebrating, which is the tradition and remembrance of Christ. They remember to slow down and focus on the blessings they have. They sing songs to worship and be grateful for all Jesus has done for humanity.
Christians hang lights to remember that Christ was the light that came in dark places. Christians put up the Christmas tree in symbolic memory of what Christ came to accomplish.
Valuable Family Time
Christmas is also important to Christians because it provides valuable family time. Families gather together from far and wide and reconnect.
Together they worship Christ and are thankful for all the blessings they have. They thank God for this particular time when the family reunites and worships together.
Worship Together
Christmas is a day of remembrance for Christians. On this day, they commemorate God’s son, who walked this earth knowing everything that was in store for him and persevered through it all.
On Christmas day, Christians worship together. They re-tell Christ’s story to family and friends. They join in Church as a community and indulge in worship and remembrance.
Takeaway
The Christmas season is when Christians take time out for spiritual reflection and prayer. Christians celebrate God’s love through the birth of Christ and indulge in his remembrance. Christians sing Christmas carols that contain Jesus’ birth story.
Hence December 25th is a sacred religious holiday throughout the western world. We hope that through this article, you’ve learned why is Christmas important to Christians.
