December 25, 2012
Christmas Nativity of our Lord Jesus Christ or simply the birth of Jesus is the most celebrated holiday in the world, celebrated even by non-Christians. It is a festival that spreads Christ's message of peace joy and love to the mankind. The festival includes lot of work such as decoration in Churches private firms, schools, religious institutions and families and getting outfits ready, purchase of gifts preparing Kuswar and many others, we all enjoy Christmas in very joyous way.
Christmas or Christmas Day is an auspicious religious festival for Christians. It is being celebrated every year on the specified date December 25 with great fervor to commemorate the birth and life of Lord Jesus Christ. Christians on this occasion gather at the churches at midnight and in the morning for the 'church service', popularly known as mass, for Christ. Christmas, nominally a holiday is observed in various innovative ways apart from following traditional practices that includes: preparation of Kuswar, special dishes, exchanging gifts, offering prayers and enjoying meal with family members. Following the centuries old customs and beliefs, Christians will observe Christmas as a great festival around the Globe.
Merriment of Christmas has a long history and believed to bring goodwill. For many people, this festival is truly a magical season as they can stay at their houses and spend some good moments with their friends and family members. Christmas is a very special occasion for children because they fantasize Santa Claus traveling a long journey carrying fancy gifts for them. They involve in many indoor activities to prepare for the Christmas. The festivity of Christmas usually continues nearly for a month. But preparation gears up a few weeks ahead of Christmas called Advent. Christians prepare themselves spiritually by making confessions, prayer meetings and family gatherings in the church. Houses, churches and offices are fascinatingly embellished with colourful lights to mark the religious festival in a grand way. Delicious cuisines and traditional dishes such as turkey, fruit cake, roasted potatoes, fudges and more are an integral part of this celebration
Christmas is celebrated across the world following customs that varies from one to another country. But certain customs prevails irrespective of geographical boundary that includes sending warm Christmas greetings, fancy Christmas gifts and Christmas cards; to hold nativity plays, beautify Christmas tree and visit church to sing Christmas songs praising or reliving baby Jesus and Holy Mother Mary.
The excitement of the festival is also expressed and shared with lovely and snappy Christmas SMS or messages. Happy Christmas and Merry Christmas quotes available in varied languages are also popular as successful medium to share the spirit of joy and peace of the occasion.
Christmas tree, known as Yule tree, has a distinctive significance in this festival. The Christmas tree is adorned with beautifully wrapped gifts, ribbons and attractive items to make the occasion more pleasant. But with the growing awareness to protect trees and go eco-friendly, people now opting for artificial Yule tree at their houses to observe Christmas.
Christmas is the best time for a vacation. As New Year follows the festivity, people plan for long rejuvenating vacation making the occasion a memorable one. For pilgrims and ardent followers of Jesus, Christmas is a season for pilgrimage. To make long and tiresome journeys to shrines or the sacred city Bethlehem, and Jerusalem that is believed to be the birthplace of Jesus according to the New Testament Gospels of Luke and Matthew.
The practice of putting up crib, Christmas tree and decorations has been followed since ancient times. Children make the stars decorate the crib, Christmas trees, and houses in an attractive way. In the crib, the replica of ancient manger is created by neatly placing child Jesus, Mother Mary, Joseph and other idols.
Jesus being Son of God came on earth to uplift mankind and to spread the message of love and peace. He always preached love." The life of Christ is always a symbol of sacrifice for humans. He came down to earth to save mankind from the bondage of sin and show God’s love. Christ is the true messenger of God," Jesus Christ sacrificed himself for human beings. He was a mediator. His selfless love teaches us to be good humans and love everyone selflessly. Sacrifice is the most superior form of love that ever existed on earth. Love, peace & joy, is the message on this occasion of Christmas.”
At the end Christmas is the time of giving and sharing. It is the time of loving and forgiving and to feel the Joy and Happiness of being loved & to be loved. May this Christmas be a Joyous one as you ever had!!!!
May all have a happy time on Christmas each year. Merry Christmas & a Wonderful Happy New year !!