ALL ABOUT CHRISTMAS

In Christianity, Christmas is the festival celebrating the Nativity (birth) of Jesus, the belief that the Messiah foretold in the Old Testament (Hebrew Bible) Messianic prophecies, was born to the virgin Mary.

Christmas is based on the biblical accounts given in the Gospel according to St. Matthew, chapter 1, verses 18 to chapter 2 verse 12 and also the Gospel according to St. Luke, chapter 1 verses 26 to chapter 2 verse 40. According to these accounts Jesus was born to Mary, assisted by her husband Joseph, in the city of Bethlehem. The birth took place in a stable at a local inn, surrounded by the innkeeper's farm animals. A manger is mentioned in St. Luke chapter 2 verse 7 where it says "She wrapped Him in swaddling clothes and placed Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn."

Shepherds from the fields surrounding Bethlehem were told about the birth of Jesus by an angel, and they were His first visitors.

The Gospel of Matthew also describes a visit by several Magi, or as we believe them to be, astrologers, who bring gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. These Magi (or Kings) followed a star in the sky to Bethlehem. They came with their gifts to pay hommage to the King of the Jews. Epiphany, held on January 6th, is the commemoration of this visit of the Magi to Jesus. Epiphany is the formal end of the Christmas season in most Churches.

Enjoy a Christmas season of Peace, Love & Happiness!