Christians definitely should not stop celebrating Christmas publicly. Christ is the reason for Christmas- without Him there would be no Christmas! Don't you believe, in your hearts, that God and Jesus rejoice when they see us celebrate Jesus' birthday? Do you think that they would like to watch the day go by unremarked? I certainly believe that God and Jesus rejoice with us.
Christmas is a celebration of Jesus' birth. No amount of commercialism or materialism connected with Christmas can change that basic fact. Christians have the most right to celebrate Christmas publicly.
On that first Christmas, the wise men brought gifts of gold, incense, and myrrh. "On coming to the house, they saw the child with His mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshipped Him. Then they opened their treasures and presented Him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh."(Matthew 2:11)
Because of that first Christmas 2000 years ago man has the hope of eternal life. A light shone in the darkness. God sent us Jesus to give us hope and show us the way we are to live. That is the reason for the hope and joy of Christmas.
When Christians honor Christmas, we are honoring Christ and showing this to the world.
A special part of a Christian Christmas is Advent. An advent wreath includes five candles. Each candle is lit on a Sunday leading up to Christmas, and there is a candle to be lit on Christmas day.
Christmas is a wonderful, fun time. There are parades, holiday music, special food. There are Christmas trees and Santa Claus. But we have to remember why we rejoice at Christmas- we have to remember the reason for the season. That reason is the birth of our Saviour, Jesus Christ.
Christmas is meant to be celebrated- with song, with gifts, with traditions. It is perhaps the time of year when people act closest to the way Jesus wants for them to act.
When we go to Midnite Mass- when we attend church on Christmas morning- this is a celebration. It is a way of honoring God, Jesus- and of giving thanks.
The tradition of gift-giving reflects God's love in us. Giving gifts with love is a Christ-like quality.
Singing Christmas carols- whether going door to door or in the privacy of your own home- is an old Christmas tradition. It is a way to express the joy and hope of the season.
Baking and cooking those special holiday foods- an integral part of Christmas. And the aromas that accompany those edibles- delicious!
Nothing beats a real Christmas tree- that wonderful pine scent and the glow of lights on the tree. Gaily wrapped presents underneath the branches.
Bright lights on the houses and bushes- an inviting sight on a cold nite.
A Christmas wreath on the front door welcomes family and friends to the warmth inside.
The best part of Christmas-time, however, is the closeness of family and friends. This is a time for reunions, and festive gatherings. A time for laughter and games. A time for drawing close to those who are most important to us. A time to reflect on Christmases gone by.
Although everyone has the right to celebrate Christmas, Christmas- in its' truest meaning- really belongs to Christians. Christs' name is right there- in the word "Christmas"- and He is the reason for the season. Thru the parties- the eggnog- the buying of gifts- let us remember the real reason for Christmas. The joy, peace, and hope given to us thru the birth of Jesus Christ.
There is a unique tradition of setting out paper bags with candles inside them on Christmas Eve to welcome the baby Jesus.