WHAT IS CHRISTMAS?

This time of year in America we drag out our Santa statues, erect decorated pine trees, hang twinkling lights and hear songs like “Jingle Bells” and "Santa Claus is Coming To Town”. Parents tell their little ones about a holly-jolly, supra-human being that flies throughout the world in one night, bestowing gifts on "nice" behaving children. Christmas truly is the season of wonder, joyousness and giving, but where does it come

from & why do we celebrate it?

History traces the origins of the modern-day Santa Claus to a 4th-century Christian bishop of Greece, Nicholas of Bari, (also known as Saint Nicholas), who was beloved by children, sailors and working-class countrymen for his genuine servitude and spiritual leadership. After his death many European countries made him their patron saint and thus began the Feast of Saint Nicholas every December 6th, birthing the traditional giving of small gifts and leaving gifts in shoes (or stockings) in the spirit of his enerosity. In 17th century America, Dutch colonies continued the veneration of "Saint Nikolaas" (nicknamed Sinterklass) by perpetuating the story of a generous, peace-loving, white-bearded man that cared even for the little children—eventually arriving at our modern Santa Claus. Saint Nick was celebrated because he shared and lived out a teaching of a

real-life gift-giver that gave the greatest gift of all, 400 years before Nick was even born. The arrival of this gift was to all people of the earth, of all ages---regardless if they "have been bad or good".

The English word "Christmas" (from Old English "Cristes Maesse") was first recorded in 1038 AD and literally translates as "the mass of Christ". It is a physical gathering of a large number of people that believe in Christ. “Christ-mas” became a traditional gathering to celebrate the arrival of God's Gift to mankind---the birth of the Savior to the world--Jesus Christ. Although Jesus was not born on Christmas day, Constantine, (first

Christian emperor of the Holy Roman empire), marked Dec. 17 - Dec. 25 to ommemorate Jesus' day of worship because this was also the week the Romans celebrated their festival of Saturnalia (a tribute to Saturn, the god of agriculture and harvest).

All my youth I listened to Christmas songs not knowing what they represented. Here’s a favorite that defines the essence of Christmas: "O Holy night, the stars are brightly shining. It is the night of our dear Savior's birth. Long lay the world in sin and error pining--until He appeared and the soul felt it's worth. A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices! For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn. Fall on your knees, O hear the angel's voices. O night Divine, O Holy night--when Christ was born!"

Wishing you all a peaceable, warm & joyous holiday season followed by health and wellness in the new year!

Respectfully Submitted, Amber Bennett