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CHRISTMAS

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Oriel Onyia
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19 views2 pages

CHRISTMAS

Uploaded by

Oriel Onyia
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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CHRISTIAN FESTIVAL: CHRISTMAS

Objectives
 Compare and contrast Advent and Christmas.
 Explain the significance of each, giving at least 4 points.
 Discuss how Christians celebrate Christmas.

Christians celebrate Christmas to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ, who they believe is the Son
of God and the saviour of humanity. The way Christmas is celebrated can vary among different
Christian denominations and cultures, but there are some common elements to the celebration:

1. Attending Church Services: Many Christians attend special church services on Christmas
Eve or Christmas Day. These services often include the retelling of the Nativity story, singing
Christmas carols, and reflecting on the significance of Jesus' birth.
2. Nativity Scenes: Nativity scenes, also known as creches, are a common decoration in
Christian households and churches. They depict the birth of Jesus, usually with figurines of
Mary, Joseph, the baby Jesus, shepherds, the Magi (wise men), and various animals.
3. Advent: In the weeks leading up to Christmas, many Christians observe Advent, a period of
anticipation and preparation for the coming of Jesus. Advent typically involves the lighting of
Advent candles, reading of Scripture, and prayers.
4. Christmas Carols and Hymns: Singing Christmas carols and hymns is a cherished tradition.
These songs often focus on the birth of Christ and the joy of the Christmas season.
5. Gift-giving: The tradition of giving gifts is often seen as a symbol of the gifts brought to
Jesus by the Magi. Many families exchange gifts on Christmas Day to express love and
appreciation for one another.
6. Feasting: Christmas is a time for feasting and enjoying special meals with family and friends.
The specific dishes can vary widely by region and culture. In some places, a Christmas ham
or turkey is traditional, while in others, fish or other dishes may be favoured. It is also a time
when people wear new or festive clothes to celebrate the uniqueness of the season.
7. Christmas Decorations: Christians decorate their homes and churches with Christmas trees,
lights, wreaths, and other festive decorations. The Christmas tree is often adorned with
ornaments and a star or angel at the top.
8. Acts of Charity: Some Christians use Christmas as an opportunity to engage in acts of
charity and service, following the example of Jesus' message of love and compassion.
9. Christmas Eve: Christmas Eve is a significant time for many Christians. Candlelight services
and midnight Masses are common, and families often come together to share a special meal.
10. Reading the Bible: Many Christians read passages from the Bible related to the birth of
Jesus, particularly from the books of Matthew and Luke, to reflect on the significance of the
event.

It's important to note that the way Christmas is celebrated can vary greatly between Christian
denominations and individual families. Some Christian traditions, such as Eastern Orthodox
Christianity, have different dates for Christmas due to variations in calendars. Additionally, in some
cultures, Christmas may include unique customs and traditions not mentioned here.
THE SIGNIFICANCE OF CHRISTMAS
The significance of Christmas varies depending on one's religious and cultural perspective. Here are
some of the key significances of Christmas:

1. Religious Significance (Christianity): For Christians, Christmas holds profound religious


importance as it commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ, whom they believe is the Son of
God and the saviour of humanity. It marks the beginning of the fulfilment of God's promise to
send a Messiah to redeem humanity from sin. The Nativity story, as described in the Bible, is
central to this significance, emphasizing themes of hope, salvation, and God's love for
humanity.
2. Celebration of the Incarnation: Christmas celebrates the concept of the Incarnation, the
belief that God became flesh in the person of Jesus Christ. This concept underscores the idea
that God entered the world in human form to understand and save humanity, bridging the gap
between the divine and the human.
3. Message of Peace and Goodwill: Christmas is often associated with messages of peace,
goodwill, and reconciliation. The angels' proclamation of "peace on earth, goodwill to men"
(Luke 2:14) in the Nativity story highlights the desire for harmony and love among all people
during this season.
4. Family and Togetherness: Christmas is a time when families and communities come
together to celebrate, exchange gifts, and share special moments. It serves as an occasion to
strengthen bonds and create lasting memories.
5. Acts of Charity and Giving: Many people are inspired to engage in acts of charity and
giving during the Christmas season, reflecting the idea of sharing blessings and helping those
in need. This tradition is often attributed to the Magi's act of giving gifts to the baby Jesus.
6. Festive Spirit and Joy: Christmas brings a sense of joy and festivity to people's lives, with
music, decorations, and gatherings adding to the celebratory atmosphere. It is a time to
express gratitude and happiness.
7. Cultural and Secular Significance: Beyond its religious meaning, Christmas has become a
cultural and secular holiday celebrated by people of various faiths and backgrounds. It often
involves traditions like decorating Christmas trees, giving and receiving gifts, and enjoying
festive meals.
8. End-of-Year Reflection: For many, Christmas marks the end of the calendar year, making it
a time for reflection, resolutions, and looking forward to the future.
9. Hope and Renewal: Christmas carries a message of hope and renewal. It symbolizes the idea
that even in the darkest times, there is the potential for a new beginning and a better future.
10. Global Celebration: Christmas is celebrated by people all over the world, transcending
cultural and geographical boundaries. It is a time when people of diverse backgrounds come
together to share in the festivities and the spirit of giving.

It's important to recognize that the significance of Christmas can vary significantly among individuals
and communities. Some may emphasize its religious aspects, while others may focus more on the
secular and cultural elements of the holiday. Ultimately, Christmas holds different meanings for
different people, but it universally represents a time of joy, hope, and love.

Classwork
1a Discuss the birth of Jesus.
1b Explain the significance of Christmas.
1c ‘Only Christians should celebrate Christmas.’ Discuss this statement. Give your opinion and show
that you have thought about other points of view. You must refer to Christianity in your answer.

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