by Hermes Roberts

Created on: November 11, 2008   Last Updated: November 26, 2009

Yes you can have Christmas without Christ. But for those who do, they are missing the true meaning of Christmas.The 25th celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ and it is the most important day in the Christian calendar. It is believed that Jesus was really born in the spring and not in the winter, as the shepherds were in the fields tending their sheep when the angels came.

The 25th of December was once the celebration of the Italic god Saturn, and the rebirth of the Sun god. There were revelry and great celebrations at this time. Some of these pagan customs were passed along to our times.

This pagan tradition was converted into a Christian holiday around 336 AD. The day was named named Christmas or the Mass of Christ by the Catholic Church. The customs surrounding Christmas are celebrated by both the Christian and the secular. Christians tend to view the symbols as biblical representations.

The Christmas tree, an evergreen coniferous is adorned with lights, decorations and gifts. These symbolise heaven, love and charity. The star atop the tree represents the star of Bethlehem and also Hope. The electric lights are the triumph over darkness. The crystal balls are the fruits of Redemption. The dove represents the Holy Spirit and the bell, the joy of life.

As a child, the joy of Christmas was attending the 6am Christmas morning service. The rest of the day was more glorious because of this. Christians like to start the day this way, if it is possible.

The exchange of gifts should be to remember the Three Wise Men who brought to baby Jesus gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. Instead it is used to get the newest toy or the most expensive gift from a relative or friend.

There are some things Christians can do in order to keep the true meaning of Christmas in their families. Find a church and attend the late Christmas eve service or the early Christmas morning service. You can encourage your church to have one of these services.

Have a family gathering on Christmas Day. Don't let any member of the family spend Christmas alone. Go first and visit the hospital or senior's home where a relative is staying. Make it a festive occasion. Take a gift and sing some carols.

At the dinner table, give thanks for the food and also for Jesus who was born so long ago to save the world. Explain to the younger children that gifts were also brought to the child Jesus, by the Wise Men , a long time ago.

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